
TWO DIARIES 



From Middle St. John's. Berkeley, 
South Carolina, February-May, 1865 



JOURNALS KEPT BY MISS SUSAN R. JERVEY AND MISS CHARLOTTE ST. J. 

RAVENEL. AT NORTHAMPTON AND POOSHEE PLANTATIONS, 

AND REMINISCENCES OF MBS. (WARING) HENAGAN 



WITH TWO CONTEMPORARY REPORTS 
FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS 

COMPIIMENTS OF 

O t, ^o /in r.^ ^lun tin y CV// 1^ 



PINOPOLIS, S. C. 



PUBLISHED BY THE ST. JOHN'S HUNTING CLUB 
1921 



TWO DIARIES 



From Middle St. John's, Berkeley, 
South Carolina, February-May, 1865 



JOURNALS KEPT BY MISS SUSAN R. JERVEY AND MISS CHARLOTTE ST. J. 

ii 

RAVENEL. AT NORTHAMPTON AND POOSHEE PLANTATIONS, 
I 

AND REMINISCENCES OF MRS. (WARING) HENAGAN 



WITH TWO CONTEMPORARY REPORTS 
FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS 



PUBLISHED BY THE ST. JOHN'S HUNTING CLUB 
192 1 






Extract from the Minutes of the 12l8t Annual Meeting of 
the St. John's Hunting Cltih. 

Wampee Plantation, July 4, 1921, 
* * * * Prof. Yates Snowden exhibited carefully prepared 
copies of diaries kept by Miss Susan R. Jervey and Miss Charlotte St. J. 
Ravenel at Northampton and Pooshee plantations, respectively, during the 
months of February, March and April, 1865. Our women were then un- 
protected save by a few old men and boys, and Middle St. John's was 
frequently raided by roving bands of negro soldiers, mainly by the 55th 
Mass. Regiment. Professor Snowden suggested that a committee be ap- 
pointed to consider the propriety and devise means for publishing these 
authentic records of the sufferings and fortitude of our kinswomen during 
those times, and to make a report at the next annual meeting. 

After an animated discussion by President T. P. Ravenel, J. St. Clair 
"White, H. R. Dwight and others, Capt. Sam'l G. Stoney moved that the 
club proceed to publish the diaries forthwith, using such funds as were 
available in the treasury, and that the members of the club subscribe 
individually enough to make up the deficit. 

The President appointed Capt. Sam'l G. Stoney, J. St. Clair White 
and Prof. Yates Snowden a committee to edit the diaries, add explanatory 
foot notes, and make a suitable contract with some publishing house for 
300 copies of the pamplilet. * * * * 

(Sgd.) HENRY R. DWIGHT, 

Secretary. 



Gift 
tr'ublisliar 
Dec li iMi\ 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL, KEPT BY MISS SUSAN R. 
JERVEY, AT NORTHAMPTON PLANTATION.* 



Thursday night February 16th. Such awful new8 came to 
us that just as the table was laid and everything ready for us 
to enjoy our supper Father'^ decided not to wait, but ordered 
the horses to be harnessed to the carriage, and we started on 
our fearful journey from Cedar Grove,^ not even taking time 
to carry anything with us; our terror on the road imagining we 
heard the Yankees' guns across the swamp. We reached 
Northampton about 10:00 o'clock. After a quiet night, we found 
many of the terrifying rumors false. Mother spent the next 
day at Cedar Grove, packing up and moving our more valuable 
goods here. 

Saturday February 18th. Nothing certain about Columbia. 
Father and Rene-' who liad gone to hunt up James's^ company 
at Santee, returned this morning not having found the Marion 
Artillery. The dear old city (is) to be given up tonight at 
12:00 o'clock; our army is falling back. 

Sunday February 19th. The most un-Sunday feeling Sun- 
day I have ever past. Father and Rene started for St. Stephens 
Depot in hopes of finding James hearing his battalion was to 

* Northampton. A St. Julien homestead, passing by marriage into the 
hands of Gen'l William Moultrie, whose name belongs to the history of 
the State. On this place he made the first experiment of cotton-planting 
on a large scale. The substantial brick house was destroyed by fire in 
1842, but the massive walls were uninjured, and the loss done by fire 
restored. (From the "Upper Beat of St. John's, Berkeley," by Prof. F. A. 
Porcher.) 

^William Jervey, Esq., of the Charleston Bar. 

"Cedar Grove, my grandmother's old home, away from the great 
thoroughfares, was our refuge during the war, but Father had promised 
that Aunt Nenna (Mrs. Stevens) should not be left with her two babies 
all alone to meet the Yankees — the place was Northampton, near Black 
Oak the center of Yankee raiding. We kept putting off our move until 
the news came of the army being at Orangeburg. S. R. J. 

'Rene R. Jervey, son of W. J. 

^James L. Jervey, C. S. A., son of W. J. 



pass there some time to-day, but had hardly had time to get 
off the plantation, when they returned bringing James and 
Sinkler^ with them. 

These boys started from Huger's Bridge to walk home; 
got lost and spent the whole of last night in the woods. They 
must have wandered over thirty miles. 

Tuesday morning, 2 A. M. February . Too busy with 

my books to write last night. James and Henry Sinkler started 
after dinner for their company. Startled a little while ago to 
hear some noise under my window; my head being full of 
negroes and Yankees roused up Mother with the cry, "the 
enemy is upon us"! Just as we stood listening, a man's head 
appeared at the door. It was an age of terror, altho' hardly a 
second before we recognized James. Henry Sinkler and him- 
self could not find their company, so came back seeing a light 
in my window. James had tried to attract my attention when, 
remembering a defective shutter, he got in. 

A Lieut. LaBorde- from Columbia, young, handsome and 
pleasant spoken dined here yesterday, trying to get a horn. 
Charles^ turned over his riding horn to him. One squad of 
Southern deserters and five Georgians passed through this 
morning looking for their command. 

February 21st. Our news now is all rumor; no papers; no 
letters. All we know is picked up from soldiers passing through. 
They are all marching for St. Stephens, where the army is 
concentrating to cross the bridge. 

William,^ who returned this morning from carrying * * * 
Aunt Nenna's^ carriage horses says for four miles from St. 
Stephens depot, the roads are white with tents. An army of 
10,000 men is a sight to see! Cousin Thomas^ rode over to tell 
us the last orders; all cotton to be burned and all negro men 
to go out. 

^'William Henry Sinkler, C. S. A., son of Wm. Sinkler, of Belmont. 
"Lieut. Oscar M. LaBorde, C. S. A., killed in the battle of Averys- 
boro, March 15. 

^Charles Stevens, son of Mrs. Henrietta Stevens. 

^William Palmer; — body servant of late Henry L. Stevens, C. S. A. 
^Mrs. Henrietta Stevens, widow of late Henry L. Stevens, C. S. A. 
*Mr. Thomas P. Ravenel, Sr., C. 8. A. 



James and Sinkler left after breakfast and the buggy has 
not yet got back. 

Aunt Nenna has been busy all day moving all her pro- 
visions into the house. * * * * The negroes seem very unwilling 
for the work; some of their aside speeches very incendiary. 
Edward, the old coachman is particularly sullen. 

Wednesday February 22nd. Anna and her father old 
Mr. Cain^ spent the morning. The buggy got back this morn- 
ing. A note from James. Such a pitiful little note, on a slip 
of Confederate paper sealed with pine-gum! They expect to 
cross today, as the enemy have landed at Bull's Bay and are 
advancing rapidly. This afternoon while very busy unpacking 
a box in the store room to carry up stairs to hide grist in, the 
alarm was given that the cavalry had come to bum the cotton. 
I dropped everything " * * while I ran to help the work. Aunt 
Nenna, Mother and I helped to roll one bale down the hill. 
Then Aunt Nenna was as busy as anyone, cutting the bagging 
open before setting a fire. No one can say she is not patriotic; 
she gave her three horses to the government; has burnt her five 
bales of cotton, worth about $7,500, and tomorrow sends off 
six or seven of her mules to the army. Most of the negro men 
took to the swamp last night for fear of impressment, Edward 
ringleader! Such heavy guns this morning! ♦ * * * 

Thursday, February 23 — Uncle Peter^ and his troop crossed 
Le Nud's Ferry to-day. Poor Neddie^ stopped here to-day on 
his way home, not knowing that home was desolate. Mother 
and home having gone, his eyes filled and his lip quivered when 
we told him. 

Friday, February 24th. An anxious day. This morning 
heard firing, nearer; much nearer than the city; also that the 
enemy are fighting at Monck's Comer. Cousin Edwin,^ who 
has been down to reconnoitre, says the enemy have been fight- 
ing our cavalry under Captain Campbell near the canal bridge 
between Biggin and Monck's Corner on the Murray's Ferry 
Road. The right wing of skirmishers passed through Mrsv 

^Hon. Wm. Cain, former Lt. Governor of South Carolina. 
^Dr. Peter G. Snowden, C. S. A. 
'"Neddie" Snowden, son of Dr. P. G. S. 
'Edwin DaBose. 



White's^ yard at Gippy. These men are said to have marched 
from Bull's Bay to intercept our men at St. Stephens. We have 
been so intent watching for the Yankees that we mistook a party 
of our men, Georgians, for the enemy. Everything was ready. 
Rene even had his blanket ready for the swamp, when we found 
that they were our men, cut off from their command on their 
way to join them at Nelson's Ferry. We, in the joy of our 
hearts, gave them a good dinner; made them dry their wet 
clothes by the fire; filled their pockets with "goobers" and I 
hope sent them away content and comfortable. 

Saturday, February 25th. Jacob- returned from St. Ste- 
phens; says our pickets have been driven in; a body of artil- 
lerymen who had been sent to meet the Yankees had returned 
and everything was hastening to cross the bridge. Harry' came 
down from Cedar Grove this morning; only hope he will get 
horse and buggy safe home. The negroes have most terrifying 
stories this morning; the enemy have marched through Pin- 
opolis, and were at Wampee last night, others say they heard 
great whooping and yelling as if some one was driving a hun- 
dred of cattle. 

Sunday, February 26th. White Hall Essex^ was here last 
night; says a negro had come from Gippy; the Yankees had 
shot all of Mrs. White's poultry; took her horses; tore up her 
clothes and threw them out of the windows to the negroes; 
broke up her crockery ; when they could not get keys, broke up 
the locks. The negro says this was only the first party. When 
the officers came they stopped the work of devastation, till the 
rest of the army came. 

Monday, February 27th. Yankees at DuBois (near Bon- 
neau's) yesterday noon, four or five in number; did nothing 
but carry off Mr. Harvey's saddle and bridle. Before leaving 
they called up the negroes and told them they were free; con- 
sequently none would go to work this morning. Father heard 
this from Mr. Harvey whom he met at Pooshee, where all the 
men left in the neighborhood met to decide what to do to save 

^Mrs. John S. White. 
^A negro servant. 
^A negro servant. 
*A negro servant. 



their property from Yankee spoliation. They had quite a 
fright; a squad of cavalry were seen coming up the avenue, 
which were taken for Yankees, but were discovered to be our 
own men under Lieut. Bright of Edgefield, detached by Gen. 
Samuel W. Ferguson to come down to worry the enemy and 
suppress disorder among the negroes. Poor old Mr. Cain * * * 
started for home on the first alarm, working his way around 
to stop here and let us know Father was a prisoner! Father 
having come home the direct road had told us all the news 
before the old man's arrival. The enemy penetrated as far 
as Black Oak last night where they took prisoner one of our 
poor soldiers who had stopped at the Myers' for supper. They 
returned as they came through Wantoot. The negroes say the 
house there very much injured. I hear Mrs. (Catherine) White 
behaved very bravely, but old Mrs. Brunson, who lived with 
her, said so much, the Yankees threatened to put her head 
through the window and shoot it off! Mrs. White wrote and 
begged Mr. Lewis Simons, who lived near, to come to her aid. 
He could not leave his family, but invited General Potter (sic) 
to dinner; told him what his men were doing. Potter instantly 
sent an order for them to desist. What I most fear is not the 
Yankees, but the negroes, cut off from all help from across the 
river, and at their mercy, what will become of us? Disorder 
has already started. Aunt Nenna's people have all returned 
to their work, except Edward; the leader, I firmly believe. 
Bram returned this morning, but when Aunt Nenna sent 
him word to come to his weaving; his answer was, he wouldn't, 
that he was cutting wood. When she sent word he must come, 
he decamped and has not been heard from since. 

Ash Wednesday, March 1st. A gloomy, uncomfortable day; 
no church to go to; in constant dread of a Yankee invasion. 
A skirmish at Harbin last night; our little squad of cavahy 
under Bright was there. A negro brought the Yankees from 
Pineville and piloted them to where our men were camped 
taking them completely by surprise, capturing Bright and 
killing two of his men. Another mortally wounded, died this 
morning. All we can learn of the skirmish, the Yankees fired 
at the back door, some of the balls entering Cousin Jane's^ 

'Mrs. Jane Screven DuBose (Harbin). 



8 

room, one hitting the post of bedstead where her baby was 
sleeping. She picked her up in her arms and rushed to the 
door appealing to the captain. A rumor tonight Cousin Rene 
a prisoner. 

Monday 2nd March. A most exciting day. This morning 
a Pooshee negro came over. The black Yankees, four in num- 
ber, had been at Pooshee last night; had threatened to shoot 
old Uncle^ if he didn't tell where the brandy was hid; took 
all the meat from the smoke house. Hear they had been to 
Cousin William's^ in morning. Just after dinner a squad of 
Yankee cavalry rode up to ask for wine. The captain (Hart- 
well) was very polite. They went off to Chelsea, but soon re- 
turned. Then, while the oflSeer was in the parlor talking, the 
men were busy at the back of the house, going through the 
closets, the safe, the dairy and the kitchen, * * * taking what- 
ever they could find in the way of eatables, — ^liave literally 
left us nothing for supper. One stayed behind and carried off 
Charles's colt "Flavella." These Yankees have pockets half the 
length of their legs and there is no telling what they contrive 
to stuff into them. 

Friday, March 3rd. A most exciting night of horror! 
While I was writing yesterday afternoon another squad of 
three Yankees rode up in search of saddles and bridles. They 
were very rude; said we might as well tell where things were 
and save their rummaging, and then rode off. Aunt Nenna, 
having found some cold waffles actually left we were quickly 
seated enjoying (?) our supper thinking our trials over for 
the day, when we heard many heavy steps in the entry, a 
rough knock at the door; a rude voice; "how are you this 
evening, I say, how are you this evening?" The open door re- 
vealed the entry full of negro Yankees, armed to the teeth and 
all drunk enough to do mischief. Mother, who is in constant 
dread of Rene's being seized on account of his age, altho' 
so small, motioned him into the back room, (Aunt Nenna's 
chamber), where the children had all run to hide. The negro 
sergeant, a coal black giant of six feet, immediately demanded 
what the boy was after and called him back. Aunt Nenna, 



^Dr. Henry Ravenel (Pooshee), 
^Wm. F. Ravenel (Woodlawn). 



with much presence of mind went to the door and brought out 
Charles Stevens. The sergeant was very insulting in his lan- 
guage. He demanded all fire arms, which were given him; 
then he wanted wine; said he had been told we had some, 
and would get it out of Father. Called for a rope and ordered 
a squad of men to carry him and string him up if he would 
not give up the liquor. Mother threw herself on her knees 
pleading for Father's life. The wretch spurned her with his 
foot, and told her to behave herseK like a woman and he 
would treat her like one. Mother was so overcome we had to 
get her into Aunt Nenna's room. One of the men came to the 
door and told me: "Speak to the lady and make yourselves 
satisfied he wouldn't let Father be hurt"; — with this small 
comfort I went to Mother. To add to our troubles Mother 
remembered a phial of brandy up stairs saved for Father's use. 
If the wretches found it, what would become of us? Mother 
could not move; the children were clinging to her; the diffi- 
culties of the way; a long black entry full of drunken devils; 
then another entry above full of unknown horrors. We waited 
until most of the Yankees had left the house. Liz^ offered 
to go with me; holding on to each other we treaded on our 
way, scarcely daring to think, we reached the room safely. 
Rose Washington,^ who had been faithful, followed us; the 
guard were all around the house. We were afraid to throw 
the phial out, when we got it. Rose proposed breaking it in 
a bucket of water and carrying the bucket down on her head. 
She did her part well, badgering the men she met and answer- 
ing their questions. I followed with Liz so grateful when we 
got to Mother. I can't tell the words and doings of the Devils, 
but soon after we got back, our "friend" came to the door to 
say Father was all right; none of us had sense to do the right 
thing, but poor little Liz who stepped up and shook the man's 
hand thanking him. The men had all the meat and salt col- 
lected and brought into the entry and the captain distributed 
it to the negroes. We have some idea of Hell now; such ob- 
scene language and ribald oaths filling our ears for the better 
part of the night. When at last, near daybreak they all left 

'Miss Elizabeth Jervey. 

'A negro servant (my grandmother's faithful housekeeper). S. R. J 



10 

the house, they demanded sugar and coffee to make a supper, 
at the black overseer's (Jimmy), you may imagine there was 
no sleep even then for us. We waited their return. A mat- 
tress had been thrown down in the middle of the room for the 
children. The men threatened to kill William^ if he did not 
tell them where the liquor was buried. Tommie and Jacob^ 
were carried to Hanover to show them where it was hid. Aunt 
Nenna's people, with few exceptions, have behaved shamefully. 
Several, we hear, brought the enemy from Black Oak, hid 
them behind an out house until darkness and quiet reigned. 

Night of Friday 3rd. About midday four or five Yankees 
(white) rode up; got off their horses and demanded to search 
the house. They ransacked everywhere; our private drawers 
were rooted up. They carried off, amongst others poor Willie's^ 
gold watch he prized so much. When leaving, they told us the 
negro troop would come tonight! So, another night of unrest, 
weary watching and waiting! We have all moved downstairs 
— one of the faithful few, generally Eugenia, Aunt Nenna's 
faithful maid, sleeps in the house. 

Saturday, March 4th. We passed a better night than we 
expected from sheer weariness; but, not much real rest as we 
did not undress, expecting every moment to hear the tramp 
of soldiers; but the night passed, and thank God! not a Yankee, 
black or white! Tonight, just before retiring one of the ser- 
vants scared us by knocking violently at the back door. The 
servants, I can't say all, but many, say they are free and went 
off last night; one Uncle Henry trusted most left, it is sup- 
posed, for Charleston. As a great favor, got one of the men to 
carry a note to Pooshee this morning. Cousin Ria^ wrote us 
an account of what they had gone through. When the army 
came they were all in the piazza. The black troopers rode 
up, and hurrahed for Liberty. The negroes were called up 
and made to kiss and shout; even Janetta is tainted. The 
night before when the five Yankees (black) were there, the 
plantation negroes rushed into the store room and took every- 

^Body servant of Henry L. Stevens, C. S. A. 

"Negro servants; two of Uncle Henry's most trusted ne;;ioes. S. U. .». 

''Wm. St. Julien .Tervey. C. S. A. 

^Mrs. Percival (Maria) Porcher, widow of P. R. Porcher, C. S. A. 



11 

thing, even leaving them no sah. When the army came, had 
to get General Potter to send one of the soldiers to the negro 
houses to get some for them. Cousin Ria sends a note from 
Cousin Rene, Pineville must be worse off than we are. It 
seems completely given up to the negroes. They have burnt 
all unoccupied houses. The freed negroes from the neighbor- 
ing plantations seem worse than the Yankees, are destroying 
and burning everything around the village. At old Col. Fer- 
guson's,- Dockon, the Yankees tore up all the ladies' clothes 
and threw them out of the window; ripped up the beds; took 
the feathers and provisions mixed them up with the molasses — 
such wanton destruction! 

Monday, 6th March. Saturday the black troopers went to 
White Hall. The negroes behaved shamefully; went into the 
house; took whatever they wanted; tore down the curtains. 
The black "general"^ had to go in his buggy to the negro yard 
and bring some of the things back. At Ophir, I hear the 
negroes met the Yankees and told them their mistress gave 
them so much they did not want more, so they did not go 
to the house. Yesterday they went to Cedar Spring, Harbin, 
&c. ; dined at Cedar Spring on some turkeys they had killed 
at Brunswick. 

Tuesday, March 7th. Harrison- has come down from Cas- 
sawda to-day. Charlie^ has come back, not knowing Lilla'' 
had left. Poor Lilla I hear has got no further on her journey 
than Gourdin's Station, where she is living in a box car with 
no provisions. We heard from Anna Cain to-day. Her people 
have behaved well, but the Yankees treated them badly, even 
took the covering off Mr. Cain's bed and demanded all his 
money, and took Anna's clothes to distribute. They were 
rescued by her maid Rachel who offered to part them for the 
officer; told him if they were thrown out of the window there 

^Col. James Ferguson, father of General S. W. Ferguson, C. S. A., 
"Dockon," his plantation on Cooper River. 

^A non-commissioned black officer, known to the negroes as "the 
General." S. R. J. 

^A negro servant. 

'Charles Snowden, C. S. A., afterwards an Episcopal minister. 

^Lilla Snowden, daughter of Dr. P. G. Snowden. 



12 

would be no end of quarreling among the people. When the 
Yankees left she restored everything to its place. 

From all accounts the Yankees have taken less from us 
than most of the others, indeed, some of Hart well's (the Yan- 
kee Captain) men said the old lady (Mother) looked so pitiful 
and had so many children that they could not take much 
from her, 

March 8. Wednesday. Yesterday, as we heard Pinopolis 
was to be burnt, Aunt Nenna sent William to save what he 
could; found her house had already been emptied by her own 
people. Tonight Moorfield Henry^ stopped on his way to Poo- 
shee to tell us the Yankees had gone to Cedar Grove last night 
and again this morning. He knows they had one barrel of 
wine as they had it on the cart last night; the other he thinks 
they broke open and made the people help them empty. All 
the men who could get horses and mules were with the troopers. 
The Yankees ordered breakfast and Daphne and the other 
women were busy cooking for them. The Moorfield negroes 
are crazy quite; they have been to Pinopolis, helping in the 
sacking of the houses. One brought oflF Mr. Stevens's^ carriage 
and was to go back for the piano which he (Mr. Stevens) had 
left at Chelsea lot for safety. Anna sent a letter from Salhe 
Palmer ;2 hear that the men in Columbia had to fly so rapidly, 
no time for a single blow; that the enemy have possession; 
blew up the new State House and burnt the old one. 

The Yankees have been as high up as Cherry Grove and 
Poplar Hill; their gun boats have gone up the river as far as 
Mexico, one threw a shell in front of the house. They went to 
Mr. Warren Palmer's^ and offered him three alternatives; to 
take the oath of allegiance; to give up his house and be put 
across the river, or else they would give him sixty acres (mind 
you, his own land!) which he was to work with his own 
negroes. A poor man near Laurel Hill gave himself up to the 
enemy; was carried to Charleston and thrown into barracks 

^A negro servant. 

'The Rev. (Lt. Col.) Peter F. Stevens, C. S. A., rector. Black Oak 
Church, afterwards Bishop, Reformed Episcopal Church. 
^Miss SaUie Palmer, daughter of Dr. John Palmer. 
'"John's Run" plantation. 



13 

with about six hundred negroes, with nothing but cracked corn 
to eat. 

Monday, March 12th. Plenty of rumors to chronicle to- 
night; feel so much more light hearted. We are not entirely 
deserted. A body of our men, scouts under young Dennis^ are 
doing fine work, if he only escapes Bright's fate. He and his 
men peppered the black troopers at Blue Hole. * * * The 
story goes that the black troopers had so "raggified" the house 
that the family had to take refuge in the kitchen and barn 
that night. The scouts are repressing rebellion amongst the 
the negroes. One negro (Old Rose's son Harry) disappeared 
the other night. Rius gave his wife (Ellen) a fearful beating 
because she came to wait on Aunt Nenna. Those who are 
faithful suffer so much from the rebellious ones, and we can 
do nothing to protect them. Poor Mrs. Hill, a refugee from 
islands was living in Whiteville. The Yankees found out, or pre- 
tended to find out that the cook had put poison in the coffee 
they had demanded for breakfast, turned her out of her home, 
just with the clothes she had on, distributed everything and 
burnt the house.' Mom Beck from Cedar Spring — she has 
clung to Kate- through everything — gave us an account of the 
Yankees there. Anne Porcher asked the black captain what 
orders he had to search so closely. He raised his gun and 
threatened to shoot her; asked about John Porcher, said it 
was well he had not been killed in the war as they would 
have wrung George's^' neck. How harrowing this to poor Kate, 
so recently widowed with only George to care for! All her 
meat, &c. was distributed, they sent her a portion, even some 
of her wine, and finished off by all dining in the house at the 
table, the Captain when he finished carrying off a silver butter 
knife and spoon to remember the place. Quash* was here 
yesterday, gave a very satisfactory account of Cedar Grove. 

*Edward J. Dennis, C. S. A., afterwards Senator from Berkeley 
County. 

^Hear the true cause of their spite was that when our army was 
going to St. Stephens, a dying Confederate soldier from the islands was 
carried to her house and died there. S. R. J. 

^rs. Kate C, Porcher. 

"Mrs. Kate C. Porcher's little son. 

*01d Quash, a servant, head-man at Cedar Grove. 



14 

He had heard wherever the Yankees go the fellows with them 
are allowed to press all the animals for themselves. As soon 
as he heard the troopers were coming, he mounted the boys 
on the horses and mules, made them claim them and ride some 
way with the troopers, then come back home. By morning 
every animal was safe in the swamp. 

March 14th. Tuesday. James's birthday; the hardest part 
of being cut off as we are is hearing nothing of those we care 
for beyond the river. To our delight part of the Pooshee 
colony ventured over this morning; a party of women and 
children headed by Cousin Henry's^ patriarchal figure mounted 
on old Uncle's little white pony. We were glad to see some 
friendly white faces and have someone to talk to. 

Have got the true story of the Blue Hole skirmish. Charlie 
Snowden had set the negroes at Cassawda to work. The troopers 
were at Springplains;^ saw them, dashed over and demanded 
their master. On being told where he was, set out after him 
at Blue Hole. Charlie, knowing all the byways and short cuts 
escaped and brought the scouts to meet them. How the fight 
went we can't understand as the stories contradict each other, 
but the vandals turned Mrs. Snowden- out into the kitchen, 
saying that was good enough for her. Stripped the house of 
everything; distributed or destroyed all they could get hold of. 
The next morning the scouts were very, much mortified by Mrs. 
Snowden's conduct; they returned to reinstate her in her house 
and get back at least some of her things. She implored them 
to leave her, not to come near her; that they brought trouble 
and distress wherever they went. We heard nothing of poor 
Charlie. 

Wednesday 15th March. Kate Porcher stopped here on 
her way to Black Oak. She is certainly brave, went all alone 
in her sulky with only Samuel behind, Mr. Edward Mazyck 
was stopped on the road and had his horse taken from him 
* * * Near dark a woman rode up on a sorry looking horse, 
asking shelter for the night. It was pouring rain; she seemed 
drenched. Poor soul, I am sorry for her. Mother and Aunt 

°Dr. Henry Ravenel. 

*Tom Porcher's place, next to Cassawda. 

^Mrs. Harriet (Charles J.) Snowden. 



15 

Nenna are possessed with the idea that she is a man in dis- 
guise; certainly she is masculine looking in her stride &c. This 
is her story; she is a Georgian, came to Charleston to see her 
brother in the hospital. The railroads were cut, and her 
brother moved. She got as far as Mr. Hare's, near Pinopolis. 
After waiting three weeks to find some way of getting home, 
giving up in despair bought an old horse and saddle and started 
on her lonely journey to Orangeburg, where she has friends 
who will help her on her road. She is an Atlanta refugee and 
has been living with a brother in Southern Georgia. She says 
we don't know what trouble is as yet. She stood with many 
others and saw her home burnt in Atlanta. When the war 
commenced, she had property, a husband and four brothers; 
all gone but two brothers, and all she owns is in two trunks. 

16th March. Mother was so anxious to get letters across the 
river, that, notwithstanding our suspicions she gave a kind of 
diary^ letter of all we had gone through for the aunts in Wal- 
halla, to the woman's care when we started her off on her 
journey this morning. 

At Monck's Comer the Yankees shot an old man, a Mr. 
Maree, taking him for Mr. Denny, Col. Ferguson's overseer. 
The old man opened the door when they knocked and in- 
stantly had three balls shot through him. 

One poor woman, a Mrs. Weatherford — Mrs. White's over- 
seer's wife — the Yankees gave away everything she had to the 
negroes, even the hat she had on her head. They burnt her 
house, leaving her literally nothing but the clothes she had on. 

Friday 17th March. Dr. Morton Waring here this morn- 
ing, as usual bringing piles of news; had seen Dr. White,- who 
had been ordered down to act as surgeon to our scouts. A 
skirmish at Florence, our men cutting the Yankees up; the 
vandals had reached Columbia, arriving in the night, turned 
the people out of their homes, put torches to the houses re- 
ducing the city to ruins. Reputable ladies were following the 
army begging bread for their little ones. At Cheraw the Yan- 

'This letter reached the old ladies in Walhalla a month later from 
Connecticut. S. R. J. 

=Dr. Christopher G. White. 



Id 

kees got two wagon loads of specie from the banks — moved 
there from Charleston. 

Richard Strobhart was taken up by the black troopers in 
Pinopolis for Charlie Snowden and carried to Moss Grove their 
headquarters; cross-questioned about our scouts &c. ; insisting 
this was the boy who had set the scouts on them at Blue Hole. 
While they were questioning him, a carriage with out-riders 
drove up in great style, and with all the form and ceremony of 
high life, "the General," as he is called, handed out a black 
lady, very much dressed. When she passed Strobhart, she asked 
about him; said he could not be the boy they wanted as this 
one had come up with her on the train a few days before. 
On this evidence he was released. 

Saturday, March 18th. Anna Cain and her father dined 
here to-day; so pleasant to have a young person to talk to 
once more. 

Mr. Lewis Simons has had their minister Mr. Olmsted and 
his family living with him at Pawley. The Yankees visited the 
place and did no injury at first, but picked up a letter from 
Mr. S. written very bitterly. Not being able to read it, they 
carried it to the gun boat, had it read; returned to the house 
distributing everything, not even giving the old lady, old Mrs. 
Keating Simons (his mother), time to put on her shoes and 
stockings; made them walk over to the next place, over a mile 
across the rice field banks, in this condition. 

This afternoon, for the first time, we walked out on the 
dam across the swamp to Brunswick enjoying our freedom, but 
met a crowd of negroes going to Indianfield. On returning to 
the house, saw more, all going the same road, all armed with 
bags. We hear the Yankees are there and are going to sup 
with us. To add to our consternation, we heard some white 
soldiers were in our negro yard. We hurried, shut up the 
house. Hennie and Laura, rejoicing at their release from 
prison walls, were playing at the foot of the front steps, when 
seeing soldiers coming, they flew in terror into the house hiding 
behind the door. The men rode up calling to the children; 
"We are not Yankees, but Rebs;" — some of our own scouts 
under Dennis and McTureous. We were so uneasy for fear the 
vandals would meet them; so anxious for their safety, we could 



17 

not enjoy the pleasure of seeing our own men again. They 
came to the negroes, ordering they to go to work Monday, &c. 
Young Dennis* is very pleasant looking and McTureous is very 
good looking indeed. They left us to scout around Indianfield, 
to find if the Yankee story is true. I think the negroes must 
have been disappointed as they passed back soon after the 
scouts left us. ♦ * * 

Sunday, 19th March. Mr. Mitchum stopped here; his regi- 
ment left the array at Cheraw; all disbanded and returning 
home. 

Wednesday, March 22nd. Heard from Pennie^ this after- 
noon. Cousin Henry's family, except Lyd^ and Attie,^ leave 
for Aiken tomorrow; hired mules from some of the Wood- 
lawn negroes. They heard from over the lines, some of the 
Wilsons; — many houses burnt in Columbia, Dr. Wilson and the 
baby, ten days old, spent the night camping in the woods. 

Cousin Ellen^ had a daughter^ born Sunday; poor little 
mortal, at what a troublous time it has made its entry into life! 

Aunt Nenna's people have behaved infamously after the 
-scouts went; some eight or ten have gone, it is tljiought, to 
town, determined not to work. The faithful few are very 
uneasy about it; think the "boys" have gone to bring the 
Yankees back. Harry, the driver at Hanover, (I wrote about 
his disappearance), has been hung by the scouts. Dennis had 
reason to suspect his hiding place in the swamp had been dis- 

*"Edwarcl J. Dennis belonged to Co. F. Sixth South Carolina Cav- 
alry, Col. Hugh K. Aiken. * * * When just out of his teens, while 
in Virginia the latter part of 1864, took fever, and as soon as he could 
travel was sent on sick furlough to his home at or near Pinopolis, then in 
old Charleston District, now Berkeley County. About the time that the 
City of Charleston was evacuated in 1865, Dennis had recovered, and not 
knowing where his command was he gathered together a squad of six 
men and operated on the Santee and Cooper rivers in old Charleston 
District. He was a terror to the Yankee raiding parties who gave the 
people of the section no end of trouble." (From "Butler and Cavalry, 1861- 
1865," by U. R. Brooks, Columbia, S. C, 1909.) 

^Miss Henrietta E. Ravenel, daughter of H. W. R. 

^Miss Lydia S. Ravenel, daughter of H. W. R. 

'Miss Charlotte Ravenel, daughter of H. W. R. 

^Mrs. Wm. Ravenel of Woodlawn. 

"Miss Annie Ravenel (of Tryon, N. C.) 



18 

covered by Harry. He and some of his men, disguised as 
Yankees, went to his cabin and offered a bribe if he could 
put them on the trail to the scouts' camp. Harry eagerly seized 
the bait. When they reached the swamp they found he knew. 
Dennis called up his men and they hung the traitor. Hear 
the oath has been offered to the Cooper river planters. Some 
have taken it; those who refused, nothing has been done to 
them as yet. We are kept so distracted; rumors of all kinds, 
— some for and some against us, — penetrate the heavy cloud 
that surrounds us. What to believe — and what not to believe! 

Saturday, March 25th. Yesterday Cousin Henry and family 
passed through on their wearisome journey home; they stopped 
for good-bye. This has been a most exciting day. Mr. Myers, 
(Uncle's overseer) passed through telling Dr. Waring, who went 
out to stop him, that Willie must have slept last night at 
Cedar Grove, as he was ahead of him on the road. Father 
went up to Cedar Grove, but could hear nothing of him. Four 
of the Yankees foraging for eggs, &c. near Pinopolis were taken 
by our scouts; the Yankees, in retaliation, marched up from 
the river to Hog Swamp, took DeHay and the younger Dennis 
prisoners, spent last night there returning through Somerset to 
their gun-boat this morning. 

Harbin house was burned yesterday afternoon. Read a 
letter from Sallie Palmer; the Pineville negroes, twenty-five in 
number, fully armed, have been marauding about the neigh- 
borhood, but the black troopers who have been plaguing this 
country were captured by the white Yankees, tried and carried 
to town as deserters. 

We all walked over to Pooshee this morning to see Mr. 
Myers and hear something of WilHe; gained no news; but 
returning home, just as we entered Black Oak gate, saw Willie 
drive in the opposite one. He had been knocking about Cedar 
Grove for two days afraid to return as he had heard such ac- 
counts of the Yankee raids. Poor child; he had nothing but 
the suit of clothes he had on, having sold everything, even 
his blanket, for something to eat. He walked down from 
Chester with some of the men he had been staying with, a Mr. 
Avinger and Ray in Wassamasaw. The scouts, we hear, are 
going to make a raid on the Pineville negroes tonight. Willie 



19 

says the whole track of Sherman's army is marked by smoking 

ruins and piles of dead animals, from old , on the State 

Road, to Columbia. Everything is burnt even to the wheat 
fields. 

Monday, March 27th. The skirmish with negroes took 
place, scouts successful, — nothing but the bare facts. Four 
houses on Cooper river burnt because owners refused to take 
the oath; Ed Lucas; Holmes; Prioleau, and Dr. Moultrie. 

Wednesday, 29th March. Mr. Gaillard dined here, brought 
more accounts of battle which Willie had told us he had heard 
confused accounts of. Press and Porcher Smith both wounded 
and Henry Lesesne killed. The Marion Artillery (James's 
company) not in the fight. 

Thursday, March 30th. Mr. Stevens called this afternoon. 
It seems like old times again, his bright and cheerful view of 
things has cheered us wonderfully. 

Friday, March 31st. We all walked over to Pooshee this 
morning; it is too sweet to feel so secure again, altho' still 
a little uneasy; things are falling back into their old routine. 

April 2, Sunday. Such a treat! Our own dear service 
,read by our own minister, in the old church! Such a display 
of mules, even those who had saved their horses were afraid 
to use them. Mr. Stevens lectured on Job's trials, truly his 
motto is, "Think and Thank." 

Moved upstairs tonight. We all have been camping out 
down stairs since the night of the black Yankees. 

Wednesday, April 5th. Mother, Aunt Nenna ajnd I with 
Willie for driver rode over to Chelsea^ this afternoon in an 
ox-cart. The whole family were in the piazza to receive us, 
quite amused at our primitive equipage. 

Thursday, April 6. Willie drove me home to-day in the 
buggy, — so pleasant, the woods are beautiful with a wealth 
of jessamine, dog-wood and crab-apple flowers, while the air 
is balmy with fragrance of thousands of blossoms. The last 
day of Willie's stay here has been truly delightful. Tonight 
we sat late in the piazza, everything so lovely! I forgot there 
was war and bloodshed all around us. 

Saturday, April 8. Thank, God, Willie has gone! Father 

^Chelsea, plantation home of Dr. Morton Waring. 



20 

and Mother spent yesterday with him at Cedar Grove, sending 
him on in the afternoon to The Rocks ^ for the night. 

Last night a squad of eight men rode up saying they were 
our scouts; that the Yankees had almost surrounded them at 
Somerset.^ You may guess our terror ahho' Father and Aunt 
Nenna were firmly persuaded they were Yankees spying out 
the land. It is customary for folks to entertain the scouts, Aunt 
Nenna never even offered them a drink of water. The Cap- 
tain actually got off his horse and told Father to listen and we 
would hear the drums beating at Somerset. I was listening 
for the drum all night (moved downstairs again) ; hardly closing 
my eyes. This morning was grateful for one thing, Willie was 
safe! I could think of little else. I don't think Father really 
believed the enemy were near until at breakfast table, looking 
out the window we saw two pillars of smoke rising from the 
direction of Somerset. It was mill day, the engine in full blast 
and all our remaining stock in the way of mules, wagons &c. 
were assembled around the door. Father wished to order 
Harry, who had just driven in from Cedar Grove with the 
only horse left us, * * * to turn back, but it was too late. From 
up the avenue and across the fields came two squads of blue- 
coats at a mad gallop, like a very whirl wind, and before we 
could think, the Yankees were on us! Riding around the 
house, some to the stables, some to the mill, they scoured the 
place and the house, taking all the harness except sonae be- 
longing to the old buggy. They took grist and poultry, shoot- 
ing down the latter about the yard. 

Richie White was with us; he was very much freightened. 
I had gathered all the children in my room upstairs; every 
time I would go near the window, he would implore me to 
come back. Some of these wretches had prepared themselves 
for plunder, having their pants' pockets below their knees. 
They carried off all wagons, mules and carts; cleaned the store 
room of all hams &c. we had hidden; knocked down all the 
geese they could. Our red-faced friend, who has been on every 
raid, was here again and distinguished himself in the pilfering 
line; took a box with Uncle Henry's letters. His buggy blan- 

^The Rocks, plantation belonging to Mr. James Gaillard, Jr. 
'Somerset, plantation belonging to Mr. Wm. Cain. 



21 

ket was next seized, and finished off by pocketing Willie's 
flute, which "would do to blow along the road," he said. The 
officer came upstairs making noise enough to scare all the 
children as he had on not only his own sword and spurs, but 
Uncle Henry's dragging behind him. Mother had all Father's 
clothes in a trunk in the entry, but he passed that by going 
into Mother's room. Noticed Father's tin box of papers; then 
to the press; Mother trembled, as the silver we were using was 
all hidden in her dresses, but finding no man's clothes, — with 
some most contemptuous expression about "her using the poor 
old man so badly, having so much more clothes," he left, only 
stopping at my room door, not coming in. 

One of the men rushed up before leaving and carried off 
the blanket from the boys' bed. 

The Provost Marshal tried to make Father take the oath; 
when he refused cursed him, and told Mother; "the men were all 
fools," but he "was sorry for the woman." The wretches ac- 
tually carried off a towel that was hanging on the railing to dry. 

After they had gone Mother missed Laura! Such stories 
of Yankees carrying off little ones, our hearts sank! We 
'sent to the negro yard hoping she may have strayed to Mauma's 
house, but no one had seen her; ah, the sorrow for us. So 
helpless; nothing to do but try and comfort Mother! Aunt 
Nenna's room once had a window on the piazza. When the 
shed-room was added, it was boarded up; the high bedstead 
with its curtains was put against it; the brick wall being thick, 
the recess of the window made a splendid hiding place for 
valuables from the Yankees. Mother was sitting weeping by 
the fire-place, when she heard a faint voice; "dem Yankee gone 
yet?" She thought at first she was dreaming, when the ques- 
tion was repeated. Soon sorrow was turned into joy. She 
had wandered from her haven of refuge in my room to find 
Mother; failimg to do so, she had crept into a good place to 
hide, and worn out with terror and weeping, had fallen asleep ! 

Hear the Yankees are en route for Pineville, where they 
say they are "going to give the people Hell." 

Sunday, April 9th. Here's what the Yankees did at Poo- 
shee. Heard from Cousin Hennie this morning. The Yankees 
took some of their silver and all of Uncle's clothes. 



22 

Dr. Waring has just been here; Cousin William^ and Cousin 
Rene both prisoners, the former right sick. Edith and Mary 
Waring were driving Leize Edwards home to Stewarton when 
they met the Yankees, who took them prisoner, carrying them 
along almost to Woodlawn; then, on Edith's persistent plead- 
ings, after taking their fine horse from them, they sent them off 
with an old balky animal that could hardly drag them home. 

We find out Father was saved from taking the oath by the 
testimony of one of the enemy, who had served as a clerk when 
a boy in a corner shop near George St. Judy^ recognized him, 
brought him up and made him give testimony that he knew 
Father lived in the city, and was only a refugee, as he said. 

Eugenia and Judy have been faithful through everything. 

Monday, April 10. Another anxious night of watching. 
A note from Anna Cain; the Yankee army had camped in 
Somerset yard, burning all fences, cutting down the beau- 
tiful shrubbery in the gardens to build their boothes; killed 
every head of poultry, except a few turkeys that escaped; took 
all the meat from the store room except a few pieces; worse 
than all, burnt down the provision barn with all the corn and 
peas &c. The most of Anna's news is that a fresh party is 
coming up from Lewisfield. Chance, who brought the note says 
he met some blue-coats on the way but did not know if they 
were "Yankees or scouts dress up." Dr. Waring was telling us 
the night the Yankees were at Hog Swamp, they took Mrs. 
DeHay out in the woods and tried to make her betray the 
scouts' hiding place in the swamp. None of their threats or 
bribes had any effect. They even told her if she did not tell 
where Dennis and his men were, they would burn her house 
down. She says her blood was up; she told them they could 
do what they pleased; that Southern women would live under 
the green trees rather than betray their friends. 

Wednesday, 26th April. The Yankees that visited us car- 
ried desolation to some places in the upper Parish. Mexico 
yard was cleaned up of everything like houses and trees, even 
the dwelling house was burned. Mr. Mazyck Porcher after 
standing and seeing his home destroyed was taken prisoner and 

^The brothers Ravenel. 
*A negro servant. 



23 

carried to town. Cousin William and Cousin Rene were re- 
leased and returned home the Wednesday after they were 
taken. 

At Walnut Grove (old Mr. James Gaillard's) everything 
was destroyed or given to the negroes, even the ladies' clothes. 

At Blue Hole everything was thrown out of the windows. 
Mr. Charles Snowden who had just returned from Aiken with 
his family has started again for Camden. The Yankees camped 
one night at Eutaw devastating the place, leaving Mrs. Sinkler 
nothing for her next meal. On her so telling the Commissary, 
he had some rice mixed with sand and given her. The Yan- 
kees returned to town by the State Road, the scouts peppering 
them from the bushes the whole way. The next Wednesday 
(the 12th) a band of two hundred and fifty passed, going up to 
their gun-boat. The 16th was a beautiful bright Easter day. 
Mr. Stevens preached here to the negroes. Aunt Nenna fixed 
the old brick barn (the upper story) and the children dressed 
it with green and apple blossoms. Kate and Anne Porcher 
joined the folks here making the white congregation. I was 
too tired, could not get out; have been sick since the last Yan- 
kee visit. Pettus and his whole band of scovits passed through 
the yard after church, and Uncle Peter^ and his company 
supped here returning through the next morning. Cousin 
Edwin- died last Friday of typhoid fever, he never got over 
the burning of his home. (Harbin.) 

Last Sunday, (23rd April) a most exciting day. Willie 
and Mr. Tharin came in just before the folks came from church, 
it being communion Sunday. (I not being well, stayed at 
home with the chi.dren.) Just before dinner Uncle Peter was 
brought in badly wounded, his hand very much shattered and 
a flesh wound in his arm. His life was miraculously saved 
for both loads were aimed, one for his head and the other for 
his heart. He was talking to a man, in a friendly manner, on 
Cooper river, when, on riding off, he saw the man raise his 
gun, and aim for his head. He threw up his hand and received 
the whole load in it. The second shot glanced off something 
he had in his pocket, tearing up his clothes, passed through the 

Teter G. Snowden, M. D., C. S. A. 

"Edwin DuBose, son of Samuel DuBose of Harbin. 



24 

fleshy part of his arm. The Doctor has had to amputate his 
thumb. Laura was so terrified at the blood when Uncle Peter 
was brought in, she spent the day under my bed. Near dark 
a poor worn-out foot-sore soldier from Lee's army begged for 
somewhere to rest, and something to eat. The news we heard 
has proved too true; for sixty hours surrounded by Grant's 
army with nothing for man or horse to eat, Lee has surren- 
dered! This soldier was carried to Hilton Head, and is on his 
road home to Sumter. 

On Sunday 25th April we heard the Yankees were coming. 
Uncle Peter was moved to Chelsea as being more off the road, 
but found it was only a band of thirty men with a white flag 
who went up to the river to communicate with Potter; could 
not get over so returned this morning by the Congaree road. 

We heard last Saturday that Lincoln had been shot in the 
theatre, and Seward stabbed in his bed; — this news from a 
Herald Dr. Waring had. 

All of Uncle Peter's scouts breakfasted here. Tuesday 
morning, Captain Sineath dined, and the great Lieut. Pettus 
was here this afternoon, and I in my room, and saw none 
of them. Uncle Peter returned home after dinner. Father 
and Mother spent the morning at Cedar Grove. Between Yan- 
kees, negroes and deserters, the house has literally been stripped 
of everything portable. All books we had left thrown over the 
house. 

Cousin Henry ^ came down from Aiken last week for the 
girls, carrying them Monday; stopped for good-bye. 

Saturday, April 29th. Saw, from my window, a foot-sore, 
weary looking pilgrim coming through the fields with his knap- 
sack on his back — Uncle Edward! (Dr. Smith). The aunts 
so worried over our safety he had worked his way down from 
Pendleton. He tells us Johnston's army has disbanded— Uncle 
E. brought letters, one containing an extract from one of James's, 
the first time we have heard since he crossed the river. Mr. 
Mazyck Porcher has returned from the city, says the people 
are under an iron yoke; they are not allowed to know anything 
outside. 



^Henry W. Ravenel, the botanist of Aiken. 



25 

Mr. Russell Middleton' was dreadfully treated on refusing 
to take the oath. 

Tuesday, 2nd May. We have been enjoying an armistice 
of thirty days. Pettus- came over this afternoon to tell us and 
that he and his scouts were ordered out and the armistice was 
over. Uncle Peter got so nervous; sent for Dr. Waring pre- 
paratory to moving to Cassawda, the Yankees having vowed ven- 
geance against him, but the Doctor carried him to Chelsea after 
dark. We are anxious about Charlie (Snowden). Not knowing 
the armistice was over, Uncle Peter sent Uncle Ned in his buggy 
as far as Nelson's Ferry. They left just after breakfast and 
now near 11, no Charlie yet. 

We move home tomorrow, Wednesday May 3rd. Uncle 
Peter lent his wagon to ride home in. Dr. Waring brought 
Uncle Peter this morning to gather his belongings and move 
right on to Cassawda. While we were waiting, something scared 
his horse; she dashed off over the yard in a wild run, smashing 
the buggy before she could be stopped. 

^N. Russell Middleton, LL. D., President, College of Charleston. 

""One day Captain Pettus, the young Texan in command of our 
scouts, came and told us that a raid had started from Charleston; a negro 
brigade with white officers. They told us, to our horror, that they had 
taken prisoner two gentlemen on their plantations in lower St. John's; 
one our friend Mr. Mazyck Porcher, and Mr. William Ravenel a cousin 
of ours; and burned down Mr. Porcher's house. * * * fj^g j^g^^^ 
thing we heard was that the plantation of "old Mr. James Gaillard," had 
been raided and the house almost destroyed. This was because, when the 
troops arrived, they found two of the scouts riding away from the house 
where they had been given breakfast. Mr. Gaillard was an old man and 
his house was a veritable haven of refuge for women and children. One 
of the granddaughters who lived with him had an infant of two or three 
weeks old, and there were a number of others, old and young, homeless, 
bereaved and afflicted women. One of the officers ordered them all to 
leave the house. He stood on the steps using frightful language, as he was 
in a towering rage on account of their sheltering "bushwhackers," as he 
called them. These women were courageous enough to refuse to leave the 
house, knowing very well that it would be burned down if they did. They 
all gathered on the piazza while the soldiers ripped off the doors, tore 
off the shutters and threw furniture and china out of the windows; even 
a melodeon." 

(From "Memories of a South Carolina Plantation During the War." 
By Elizabeth Allen Coxe, daughter of Charles SinkJer of Belvidere, pp. 
4041. Privately printed, Phila., 1912). 



26 

Cousin Thomas^ passed down to-day on his way home, but 
did not stop. 

May 12th 1865. Have not the heart to write; I have hoped 
against hope; all is over! Our poor paroled prisoners are all 
coming home. Cousin John^ has come, and I hear James^ is 
on the road. 



^Thomas P. Ravenel, Sr., C. S. A. 

^John Henry Porcher, Engineer Dept., C. S. A. 

^James L. Jervey, C. S. A., son of William, and brother of the diarist. 



JOURNAL LETTER KEPT BY MISS CHARLOTTE ST. J. 

RAVENEL OF POOSHEE PLANTATION 

FOR MISS META HEYWARD 



Pooshee, Feb., 1865. 
My dear Meta : 

As we are cut oflF from each other now, I will attempt to 
write for you, in journal form, an account of the trying times 
through which we are passing. 

After the evacuation of Savannah we were very anxious 
to get to Aiken, but Pa^ thought it best not to go until we 
were certain of Sherman's movements. We heard from time 
to time that Charleston could not be held, and yet we heard 
on every side that Augusta was his destination. Several events 
occurred which would have prevented our going up if it had 
been our intention, the freshet then too Henry's- illness and last 
of all the cutting of the railroad, which effectually cut us oflF. 

We got newspaper accounts of Sherman's movements on 
Orangeburg, and then there was a report that he was marching 
down the State Road to Charleston and of course we believed 
it. Every day report brought them nearer. Hennie had the 
silver packed ready for interment. On Wed'y evening the 10th 
of Feb'y. a note came from Aunt Ria^ saying the Yankees 
were not far from Wahvorth, that they had burnt two houses 
on the river, and that all the men and boys in the upper 
Parish were leaving home, and going to a place of safety. This 
made us very uneasy on Harry's account, for he was very weak. 
That night we got a note from Pa who was staying at Indian- 
field, asking Hennie to send for them very early the next 
morning, he said Uncle Rene's- horses would be used for 
something else as there was no time to be lost, and teUing her 
to have the silver ready, we thought the note very myste- 

^Henry Wm. Ravenel, the botanist. 
=Henry W. Ravenel, Jr., son of H. W. R. 
^Mrs. Percival R. Porcher. 
"Rene Ravenel, M. D. 



28 

rious, but were not at all alarmed by it, for on the 16th the 
next day. Grand Pa^ sent ofi" for salt, and sent one- of the ser- 
vants to town for some things we needed. 

After breakfast I was quietly reading "The Queens of 
England," when we heard a horse racing up the avenue, Cousin 
Henrietta^ had sent word to say that the Yankees were at Moor- 
field, and asked two of us for pity sake go and stay with her. 
You can never imagine our feelings when we heard it and 
thought of Aunt Ria by herself, my first impulse was to burn 
my letters and to put on a suit of good clothes in case the others 
should be taken. By that time the carriage came from Indian- 
field, and Pa came in; he was in such a hurry that he never 
said "Good morning," but told us to come and help him pack. 
He then went in and told Harry that he must go right off; 
fright seemed to make us all strong, for two of us nearly ran 
with Harry's trunk down one flight of stairs and up another. 
Pa and Harry went off in the carriage loaded with all kinds of 
things and Uncle Rene went on horse back. Though it was a 
relief to get them off it was a very sad parting, for we did not 
know when we would meet again, and the excitement in Harry's 
weak state made him so nervous we were very uneasy about 
him. 

Soon after they got off we remembered the wine up-stairs, 
and though we did not know at what moment the Yankees 
would be here, we made the attempt to bring it down, and then 
we had time to seal the bottles and have them buried in the 
garden. By that time a wagon came from Moorfield with some 
of Aunt Ria's things; we were very much relieved to hear 
that the enemy was not at Moorfield, but near Walworth. A 
carriage then came from Indianfield, and you would have been 
amused to see the number of people in it, four nurses and 
eight children. The house was in confusion all day. Belle 
and Aunt Ria both moving over, and Grand Pa moving pro- 
visions into the house, we all worked so hard that we were 
completely worn out by night. Aunt Ria came that evening 
and told us how the mistake had been made, she had written 
to Sarrazins exactly what she wrote us the evening before; 

''Henry Ravenel of Pooshee. 
*Mrs. Henry L. Stevens. 



29 

the family there sent word to the driver at Brunswick that the 
Yankees were near Moorfield, and he must give out the corn 
to the negroes; the driver sent word to Northampton that they 
were at Moorfield. As everything was so quiet Emily^ and 
I went to spend the night with Cousin Henrietta we had not 
been frightened enough for one day, for after supper, Mr. 
Jervey's- entire family came down. They had heard that the 
raiders had burnt Mr. Parker's house near them; they had 
intended coming down the next day, but this news brought 
them at once. Emily had gone to bed with a headache, and 
wanted to get up and come home, but I persuaded her they 
could not get there before the next day, though I was so fright- 
ened I could scarcely stand. So much for one day of Yankee 
fright! 

Febr'y. 17. We were quite relieved to hear that the enemy 
had taken the State Road, and gone down to Summerville. 
They had visited several places and taken what they pleased. 
On our way home we met Belle ^ and Sister- who told us of 
a report that the Yankees were at The Rocks Church and the 
plantation on their way to Belle Isle. I did not believe it, 
but thought it better to be prepared, so buried a few things. 
Aunt Ria received a note from Cousin Edward^ saying there 
was no truth in the reports we had heard, that there was not 
a \ankee this side of Orangeburg. We were not left quiet for 
long, for that evening Capt. Guerard, from Savannah, rode 
up to say that he had come to notify the planters that 
all of their corn was to be impressed by our government 
to feed the army on its retreat from Charleston, and that 
planters would be obliged to remove their property be- 
yond the lines. This was the first intimation we had that the 
evacuation had commenced. We then held a council of war, 
and decided that we must send and let the gentlemen know 
what we had heard; fortunately we had found out that they 
were at the Eady's. We all felt very blue for we heard that 

^Emily G. Ravenel (Cain). 
William Jervey, Esq., of Charleston. 
^Mrs. Rene Ravenel. 
°Miss Lydia Ravenel. 
'Edward Mazyck. 



30 

our army was crossing as fast as possible at St. Stephens, and 
then the bridge was to be burned. 

Febr'y. 18th. By breakfast time, the hiding party arrived. 
At first Pa said it was impossible to stay here; that we must 
leave, if we had to walk, but upon deliberation he concluded 
we could not go, for the railroad being cut, our only way was 
by Orangeburg, which we knew had been in the hands of the 
enemy, and besides, we did not know if we had a house to go 
to, for we had heard nothing definite from Aiken. We had 
three of our soldiers to spend the night, and they cheered us 
up a great deal, and said it was best to stay at home. 

Feb'y. 19th. I have never spent such a Sunday, and hope 
I never will spend such another; we were in confusion from 
the time we got up until we went to bed. Aunt Bet^ moved 
over, and Mr. Gignilliat came with her to spend a few hours. 

I had just been hoping that some of the soldiers we knew 
would stop here. That night after we had all retired, Tom 
Heyward came up, his feet all blistered from marching. On 
the 20th. Tom Heyward, Tom Porcher Ravenel, and Samuel 
Ravenel all left to join their respective commands, Tom Porcher 
having joined Mr. Gignilliat's battery. We were very anxious 
that Harry should go along with them, but he was by no means 
strong enough. 

Nothing occurred of any consequence except our soldiers 
coming in continually, until the 24th, when we heard that 
there was fighting down at Biggin Church. Uncle Thomas,^ 
who was at home, hurried off, and Belle- moved her family 
to Pineville to secure a summer home. About dinner time a 
party of horsemen rode up; for a time we thought them Yan- 
kees, but soon found out they were a squad under Lieut. 
Miller from Colcock's cavalry. On the 25th just at dinner 
time. Dr. Waring* drove up to say that Uncle Thomas would 
pass through in a few moments on his way to St. Stephens and 
that our pickets were retreating before the enemy. In a very 
short time a number of our men passed through the yard. We 

■■Mrs. Thomas P. Ravenel. 

^Thomas P. Ravenel. 

"Mrs. Rene Ravenel. 

*Dr. Morton Waring, of Chelsea. 



31 

felt as if our last friends had left us, and that we would never 
see a Confederate soldier again, and to add to our discomfort 
Dr. Waring told us that the Yankees had visited Gippy, taken 
all they wished, and then given out everything else to the 
negroes. Cousin Catherine's'' clothes were thrown out, her 
bed clothes, towels, &c., burnt; her person was guarded; that 
was all. Of course this put us in a state of mind. That night 
Pennie^ and myself sat up vmtil 2:00 o'clock putting away 
things in a mattress. We opened the cotton and put the things 
between. Though the next day was Sunday we found a hiding 
place in our room and put away a great many things. That 
evening we heard that Mr. Harvey'^ had been visited, but not 
very badly treated. Just as we had gone up stairs a servant of 
Uncle Rene's came in to say that the Yankees were all along 
the road from Fairspring to Wantoot. We all slept in our 
clothes that night for we were certain they would be here 
before morning. On the 27th about midday the alarm was 
given that "the Yankees were coming" but we had our fright for 
nothing, for they turned out to be some of our scouts under 
Lieut. Bright. They had four prisoners taken near Mr. West- 
coat's place with a cart full of things. Two of our men said they 
wanted to kill the prisoners but the others would not let 
them. They stayed that night, and the next at Harbin, or a 
part of the next, for a servant betrayed and they were taken 
so much by surprise that two of these men were killed, two 
wounded and Bright and two of his men taken prisoners. The 
Yankees fired several times into the house thinking men were 
there. They then gave out everything to the negroes, which 
they all brought back to Cousin Jane.^ 

The 1st of March is a day which we will never forget; 
everything went on as usual until nine o'clock at night when we 
heard several pistol shots in the negro yard. I ran up stairs 
to tell Pennie who had gone to bed and by the time I got back 
we heard a noise at the back door; our hearts sank when we 
heard them talking, for they were negroes without an officer, 



"Mrs. John S. White. 
*Miss H. E. Ravenel. 
^Arnold Harvey. 
'Mrs. Jane E. DuBose. 



32 

what we had always dreaded. They asked for the master of 
the house, and when Grand Pa went out, they asked in the 
most insolent manner for his horses, wagons, meat and poultry. 
They then asked if there were any fire arms in the house, and 
told there was none but a plantation gun. They said they 
would not believe that such a house could be without a gun 
and that they would have it or shed blood. They then went 
off into the yard to get the things. They emptied the smoke- 
house; took what poultry they wanted, and then went to the 
store room under the house, took a few things from there and 
told the negroes to go in and take the rest; — which they did, 
cleaning out the store room and meat room. There were a 
great many things there for Aunt Bet had moved over her pro- 
visions. The plantation negroes took about twenty bushels of 
salt; twenty of rice; fifteen of grist, besides several jars of 
lard, molasses; all of Hennie's soap, a box of Pineland crockery 
and a good many other things. They left us with one quart 
of salt in the house and would not bring any of it back, until 
Pa stated the case to a white Yankee, the next day and he 
went around and made them bring some of it back. When 
the negro soldiers first went to the store room they sent for 
Grand Pa. It made our blood curdle to hear our aged relative 
spoken to in the manner they did. We were all in the hall 
and could hear everything that went on below. After some 
very impudent language we heard a gun click. I will never 
forget that moment as long as I live. The wretch had his gun 
pointed at Grand Pa, and though we found out afterwards that 
they did not dare to take life, we did not know it at the time. 
After this they called up the negroes and told them they were 
free, and if they worked for Grand Pa again they would shoot 
them. They then went off with three horses, a wagon and a 
buggy. They told the negroes that the army would be through 
the next day to take our clothes and other things. Three of 
us sat up in the hall for the rest of the night, and though the 
others retired to their rooms there was rest for no one. It 
must have been too mortifying to poor Grand Pa for his negroes 
to behave as they did, taking the bread out of our mouths. I 
thought better of them than that. I have attempted to de- 
scribe that dreadful night, but nothing can come up to the 



33 

reality. The next morning everything looked so desolate that 
it made us feel sad, most of the house servants came in crying, 
and said they were willing to do for us, but were afraid. Of 
course we would not put them in any danger, so sent them all 
off. We sat down to breakfast to a plate of hominy and 
cold com bread that had been cooked the day before for one 
of our soldiers. The very night before we had sat down to 
an elaborate supper; — such are the fortunes of war! We 
cleaned up the house and cooked dinner, looking all the time 
for our friends for such we considered the officers. Just as 
our dinner was put on the table a party rode up; we were 
so glad to see them that we all went in the piazza. The 
officer came forward and bowed very politely. Pa then told 
him how we had been treated the night before and asked 
what guarantee we would have against such treatment in the 
future. 

Capt. Hurlbut who was in command of the party said that 
the black soldiers had no authority to come without an officer 
and if found, they would be punished. He said that Gen'l. 
Potter would be along soon and we might get a protection from 
him, but afterwards he said that he would write a paper which 
might do us good, and certainly would do no harm. I do 
not remember the words; but, the sense of it was, that we had 
very wisely remained at home, while many had flocked to 
other parts of the Confederacy. He said that everything had 
already been taken from us, and he would advise that we would 
not be further molested. He then spoke to the negroes, told 
them they were free and could either go away or stay at home, 
but if they remained on the place, they must work, for no 
one could live without working. He told them they would 
be better off if they stayed at home. 

Soon after Col. Hartwell and staff arrived. They all agreed 
in saying that the marauders would be pimished and the Col- 
onel signed the paper. One of his staff got quite familiar; 
played with Aunt Ria's baby, little Maria, and ended by kissing 
her. We laugh and tell the baby she has caught a Yankee 
beau, and she always laughs and seems to enjoy the joke. In 
a very short time Gen'l Potter and his staff came up in the 
piazza. Then the army commenced passing through the yard. 



34 

about three regiments of infantry, one white and two colored 
passed through, besides artillery and cavalry. Each one stopped 
(sic) and the men ran in every direction after poultry. They 
marched the colored regiments right by the piazza; I suppose 
as an insult to us. The negroes were collected in the yard and 
cheered them on, Hennie^ and Sister^ asked the General if he 
could not leave us a guard that night, but, he said there was 
no use; his army did not straggle, and that he could not leave 
a guard at every place he passed. The General did not make 
a favorable impression on us;^ he was very short in his manner, 
but his staff were very polite. One of them told us to try the 
General again. 

You must not be too surprised at our staying out in the 
piazza with so many men, for there were a great many of us 
to keep company, and then we had never seen such a sight in 
our lives before. The last of the army had not left the yard 
before we saw the General returning; he said he had deter- 
mined to take up his headquarters here that night. We were 
all of course, delighted for we could not have been better 
guarded. They had the parlor for their sitting room, and one 
chamber for the General. The wagon train camped just in 
front of the house, and two regiments in the field in front. 
There was a sentinel at the front and one at the back door all 

^Miss Henrietta Ravenel. 

^Miss Lydia Ravenel. 

^It would appear that General Potter made an even less favorable 
impression at Otranto, in St. James', Goose Creek, the home of Philip 
Johnstone Porcher. 

"As it was then near midnight we decided to go to bed, and mother 
said she would go down in the morning and request that a written pro- 
tection be furnished us, as this had been suggested by the quiet-looking 
officer, our protector of the afternoon before. Therefore, as early as pos- 
sible she did so, but General Potter received her very shortly, and only 
replied, 'Your husband is in the Rebel army.' She replied, 'it was our 
desire that he should leave us, and I am glad he is not here, for if he 
had been I suppose he would have been shot.' 

"He replied, 'you talk like a fool when you say that,' and turned 
off; when mother said, 'If that is your opinion, I have the more need of 
protection'." 

(From "Some War-Time Letters," by Marion Johnstone (Porcher) 
Ford, in "Life in the Confederate Army," p. 113. Neale Publishing Co., 
N. Y. 1905.) 



35 

night. The camp fires looked very pretty at night. Did we 
ever imagine that Pooshee would be headquarters for a Yankee 
army? About two hundred head of poultry and a great many 
sheep were killed; the negroes' own did not escape! We rec- 
ognized one of the prisoners (that our scouts had here the 
first of the week) driving a cart, and Lieut. Bright and his 
men were prisoners that night in the wash room, one of them 
asked to be allowed to speak to some of the girls who were 
at the back door; he seemed to be a gentleman. 

During the course of the next day soldiers were contin- 
ually passing through. Our protection paper was of great use, 
for we were not molested again and from that day to this 9th 
of March we have been in comparative quiet. 

Wantoot^ house has been burned, also seven unoccupied 
houses in Pineville. Some of the residents there were shame- 
fully treated, even their clothes taken from them. Uncle Rene 
was among the fortunate ones; he only had a ham stolen from 
his house but all of his poultry. They went into the house at 
Woodboo, though a Mrs. Williams was living there to protect 
it, opened every drawer and box in the house; dressed them- 
selves in Uncle Thomas's and the boys' new clothes, leaving 
their old ones behind. 

At Northampton they were told by the negroes that a good 
many things were hid in the house, so made a thorough search. 
They actually threatened to hang Mr. Jervey, and had the 
rope brought. For some time they had been told (that treas- 
ure?) had been buried. The people about here would not 
have suffered near as much if it had not been for these negroes; 
in every case they have told where things have been hidden 
and they did most of the stealing. The negroes here have be- 
haved worse than any I have heard of yet. 

Daddy Sandy is as faithful as ever. He is sorry that the 
Yankees have been here. George still comes about the house, 
but does not do much. Daddy Billy, who we all thought so 
much of, has not come in since they were made free. He 
pretends to be hurt because Hennie told him he could go if 
he wanted to. Hennie's maid Annette has taken herself off. 



^Wantoot was the original home seulement of the Ravenci family 
in St. John's, Berkeley. 



36 

Kate comes in regularly to attend in the bed rooms night and 
morning. 

We have to do our own cooking now, and you don't know 
how nicely we do it. * * * * * We take it by turns to cook 
dinner in the pantry, two going together every day. * * * I 
have not touched my needle for a week; would you believe 
that? The field negroes are in a dreadful state; they will not 
work, but either roam the country, or sit in their houses. At 
first they all said they were going, but have changed their 
minds now. Pa has a plan to propose to them by which they 
are to pay Grand Pa so much for the hire of the land and 
houses; but they will not come up to hear it. I do not see 
how we are to live in this country without any rule or regula- 
tion. We are afraid now to walk outside of the gate. ***** 

We have just heard a report that Charlie Porcher has 
been taken prisoner in a fight near Aiken, and fear it is true. 
Do let me tell you a smart trick of Cephas, Grand Pa's car- 
penter! It is worthy of the Yankees. Before (the minds of 
the) Moorfield negroes had been poisoned, he went there and 
told the servant Robert that Aunt Ria had sent him for 
a cart, five turkeys and a sheep. He then came here at night, 
took up his wife Adela and traveled off to Charleston. One 
of Aunt Ria's negroes who had always been sick got one mule 
from Moorfield, another mule and carriage from some other 
place, went to Pinopolis and took all of Mr. Stevens's^ books. 
The next day he went for the piano. He told some of the ne- 
groes that he had been playing on it already. The negroes are 
in the most lawless and demoralized state imaginable. If this 
is what the Yankees intended they have made their work com- 
plete. We have to keep everything under lock and key, and 
can call nothing our own now. 

Grand Pa seems completely broken down, the' he tries to 
keep up. It must be too hard for one of his age to have every- 
thing so changed from what he has been accustomed to all of 
his life. 

The day that the Yankees left here, George brought in an 
envelope which he found in the prison (the wash-house). It 
was directed to "Miss Carrie Cribbs," Tuscaloosa, Ala. On 

^Rev. (afterwards Bishop) P, F. Stevens. 



37 

the back was a Confederate stamp, and inside a blank sheet 
of paper folded. At first we did not think anything of it; but 
the idea soon struck Aunt Bet that it was left here with an 
object, which was that we should write and let the young lady 
know what had become of him. We heard afterward that 
one of the prisoners' name was "Cribbs," so that settled all 
doubts we had on the subject. We will send the letter off the 
first opportunity we hear of, tho' I can't say when that will 
be, for we are entirely cut off from the world and almost en- 
tirely from neighborhood news. 

March 10. We received notes from White Hall and Sar- 
razins and also a letter from Alice Palmer, quite a treat. The 
White Hall negroes behaved shamefully; they rushed into the 
house; tore down the curtains, carried off bedding, blankets 
and trunks, and are grumbling now that they have not enough. 
We hear that one man asked Cousin Marianne^ to step out and 
take a dance, that they were on equality now. 

March 11. Uncle Rene dined here to-day. It was really 
i-efreshing to see some one out of the house. He says there 
is a report that Sherman has been defeated with heavy loss, 
and is going down to Georgetown. I fear it is too good to be 
true. Uncle Rene also brought the news that fighting was 
going on at Blue Hole, Uncle Charles Snowden's place. I sup- 
pose it can only be a skirmish. How composedly we can be 
talking of fighting in our very midst! 

One item of news, which I must not forget to tell you, is 
that Newport has taken the cooking, and we are all ladies 
again. 

March 13th. Dr Waring- came in to-day and told us the 
particulars of the affair at Blue Hole. On Thursday four 
Yankee negroes, with a good many plantation negroes, armed, 
went to Moorfield. There they found a quantity of wine. A 
good many men joined them from there and Cedar Grove, 
mounted on anything they could find, and in a drunken state 
they all rode up the Parish. When they reached Blue Hole, 
Charlie Snowden, who was there on a visit, went off and in- 
formed our scouts. They killed two or three of the negroes, 

'Miss Marianne E, Porcher. 
^Dr. Morton Waring (Chelsea.) 



38 

and took several prisoners, which I do not think they kept long. 
After they left, the negro soldiers made the negroes move 
everything out of the house, and the family had to go into the 
kitchen. The next day our scouts came up again to assist Aunt 
Harrie-^ in recovering her things; but, she begged them to go 
away; that they had been the cause of her trouble, so they left 
in not at all a good humor, and we have heard nothing more. 
I hope young Charlie Snowden has succeeded in getting out of 
the way. Several of the people about here have put up the 
white flag, because the Yankees told them it would be a sign 
that they had already been visited. Our scouts did not like 
it; they said it looked as if the country had submitted, so they 
have all been take ndown. I am so glad we never had one up. 
March 14th. We all went to Northampton this morning 
to pay a visit; quite an era in our own monotonous lives. Pa 
rode on horse-back and we closed up the ranks on foot. 

March 15th. Aunt Ria left us this morning to stay a while 
at Woodlawn. She went in the buggy with the baby and Maum 
Mary; the two boys followed in the cart. 

March 16th. Dr. White* dined here to-day; he had just 
crossed the river. He had not seen a paper for some time, so, 
of course, could not tell us much news. Sherman had not been 
defeated and was avoiding a battle. 

March 17th. Drs. White and Waring paid visits here to- 
day. We are not as much cut off as we expected at first. Dr. 
Waring told us he heard that the oath of allegiance was to be 
offered to every man in the country. This is the worst news 
we have heard of for some time. Pa and Harry will try and 
get out of the way, but Grand Pa will be compelled to take it. 
March 18th. Mr. Cain and Anna Maria were here to-day; 
the old gentleman seems to feel his loss very much. 

March 20th. * * * * This morning Pa went to Woodlawn 
to try and make arrangements for carrying us all to Aiken. 
He has succeeded in hiring three mules, and the present plan is 
that we are to start on Wednesday in a wagon, — Rather a novel 
style of making the trip! We are all anxious now to go, but 

*Mrs. Charles J. Snowden. 
*Dr. Christopher G. White. 



39 

hate so much leaving Grand Pa, and the rest of the family, par- 
ticularly in Grand Pa's state of health. 

March 2l8t. We heard rumors to-day of the enemy land- 
ing on the banks of the Santee, and coming this way in great 
force which made Pa decide not to go on Wednesday. ***** 

March 22nd. We heard to-day from Nina^ and Cousin 
James Wilson. * * * Nina writes on the 16th of March from 
Winnsboro. She had met the enemy there and had not lost 
much. ■"" " "" a good many houses were burned in Winnsboro, 
also the Episcopal Church, and they were kept in constant fear. 
Cousin James and family lost everything by fire in Columbia — 
They had to spend one night in the woods with Nana's' baby 
only ten days old. How much some people have suffered. We 
have every cause to be thankful, for we have suffered very little 
in comparison to others. 

We also heard to-day of several battles in which we had 
been victorious; that France had recognized the Confederacy 
and the United States had declared war against Mexico, — if it 
could only be true! We cannot help feeling hopeful anyhow. 

Dr. Waring mentioned that a few Yankees had landed, 
but had gone back to their gun boats, so the Aiken cavalcade 
is to go off in the morning. 

March 23rd. The Club House- came down with a crash this 
evening, or rather the frame, for the Yankees had nearly 
stripped it of boards and the negroes finished it. 

March 24th. The caravan started for Aiken to-day. The 
negroes are behaving a great deal better now on most of the 
plantations; they have commenced working again, and most 
of them that went to town have come back, which I think will 
have a very good effect on the others. Our scouts have done 
a great deal of good in making the negroes afraid to go out. 

March 25th. Harbin house was burned yesterday about 
2:00 o'clock by accident we hear. We have heard no par- 
ticulars, or what has become of the family. Mr. Myers (the 
overseer I returned home to-day to join the scouts. He reports 
that Sherman has been defeated in N. C. and four thousand 



^Mrs. Richard Y. Dwight. 

'Mrs. Robert Wilson. 

=The St. John's Hunting Club. (The Black Oak Club.) 



40 

prisoners taken. He was perfectly surprised to see the state 
of things here, so different from what they are on the river. We 
feel very anxious about Henry,' for Mr. Myers left him a week 
ago in Chester quite sick. He was in a cotton house as he 
could not get private lodgings. We saw a Charleston Courier 
of 21 St of March. The Yankees claim the victories of all the 
battles that have been fought lately, and say the Rebels are 
nearly done up! That remains to be proved. 

March 26th. This day will long be remembered by the 
people of Pineville. The Regulators^ had just returned from 
Mt. Pleasant with a supply of arms and ammunition — Last 
night they sent to several of the gentlemen and told them they 
would hang them the next day, but our scouts surprised them 
this morning and 27 were killed, eleven right off, and the others 
in the course of the day. One man was taken who told where 
their ammunition was hidden, and then he was dispatched. 
Several made their escape in the woods but the ring-leaders 
were killed; — 15 were killed from Capt. Gourdin's place. Our 
force was 56 men; that of the negroes was not known, though 
supposed to be less. We hear that Col. Ferguson- is on his 
way with 1,500 men, and Major Jenkins with six companies. 
They will soon put things straight again. 

March 30th. * * * Mr. Stevens arrived to-day. He does 
not appear to think anything of the behavior of his flock; 
but I know he must feel mortified and disappointed. He will 
remain and preach for us as long as it is safe for him to do 
so. To-day has been a regular mail day. Mr. Stevens brought 
letters from Nina, Mrs. Sams and Auntie,-^ * * * one from 
Uncle Charlie Snowden saying he had taken possession of our 
farm, and also mentioning that some of Wheeler's men had 
broken into the house, taken all of the carpets, blankets and 
provisions. * * * This evening Hennie received a long note from 
Cousin Marianne Porcher; she mentioned that Hardee had 
been repulsed, but that after that Johnston had defeated Sher- 
man taking 4,000 prisoners. 

^Henry LeNoble Ravenel. 

'A band of negroes who had conspired to massacre the whites. 

^Gen'l Sam'l W. Ferguson, C. S. A. 

*Mrs. Peter C. GaiUard. 



41 

Press Smith was wounded in both legs, and his brother 
Porcher in the head; both were doing well.; Ravenel Macbeth 
was wounded and a prisoner. We have heard nothing of our 
other friends. Cousin Marianne says she heard from negroes 
that the entire Barker family had taken the oath of allegiance 
and were preparing to go to the city. We cannot blame them 
for we do not know how they were situated. Dr. Motte had 
refused the oath up here, but was carried to Charleston, and 
there he was made to take it. Mr. Holmes refused to take it 
and is now a prisoner. I do not know how true all this is, 
but we must take it for what it is worth. I am very thankful 
that Pa has gotten away and that we do not live on Cooper 
river. * * * 

March 31st. The Northampton people paid a visit here 
to-day. Willie Jervey is at home for a short time. We heard 
a report to-day that Charleston was blockaded by fifty French 
vessels and that the Yankees were preparing to evacuate the 
place. It came from a man about here who had gone down 
to the Gunboat to take the oath of allegiance. 

April 1st. The negroes' freedom was brought to a close 
to-day. During the morning a party of our scouts rode up 
and asked if Grand Pa wished them to do anything for him. 
Grand Pa told them that one of his negroes had been seen 
with a gun but had said that it belonged to one of Uncle Rene's 
men who had gone to town, so the scouts went off. We were 
very uneasy when we saw them coming, fearing that they might 
be Yankees. About dinner time another party came up, Ed- 
ward Dennis, Mr. McTureous and several others. They re- 
quested the negroes be called up, and told them they were not 
free, but slaves, and would be until they died; that the Yankees 
had no right to free them, and that they were to go to work 
as they had always done with a driver:' that tliey would be 
here every two or three days to see that they worked, and the 
first one caught out without a ticket would be killed. Then 
they demanded guns from two of them and said they were to 
be forthcoming. Poor deluded creatures! Their friends the 
Yankees have done them more harm than good; this day month 
their freedom was proclaimed. One report to-day is that the 

*A negro under-overseer. 



42 

white Union soldiers in Savannah united with the citizens and 
massacred 4,000 blacks on account of their outrageous behavior. 
Another is that the Gun Boats have left the Santee and the 
one on Cooper river has gone lower down. About dark after 
we had shut up the house we heard a loud rap at the front 
door, and much to our surprise it proved to be your father (Mr. 
Heyward). He had come all the way from Aiken on horseback 
to carry Aunt Bet back. 

April 2nd. We have been permitted the privilege of again 
meeting at church to offer our thanks to God for his manifold 
mercies to us during this terrible time. Nearly every one in 
the Parish succeeded in getting there, mules supplying the 
places of all horses that had been taken. It was very pleasant 
to meet our friends, whom we had not seen for six weeks. 

April 4th. Aunt Bet started to-day for Aiken with a car- 
riage, two wagons, one cart, one donkey cart, two cows and 
an outrider, — quite a cavalcade! We heard today that two of 
the ring leaders from Pineville went to the Gunboat and told 
how they had been treated, whereupon the officers had them 
put in irons and sent to Charleston, and told them, if they had 
only known it, they would have sent a company to help the 
white men. We received numerous letters from Aiken this 
morning by the return wagons. I am sorry to say that Wheeler's 
men have done us more damage than the Yankees. I did 
not mind it at first when I thought they had only taken things 
they needed, but I do blame them very much for their wanton 
destruction of property that they ought to protect. It is a 
shame and they ought to be exposed. 

April 6th. The scouts were here again to-day under Lieut. 
Pettus.^ Charlie Snowden has joined them. Hennie got them 
to go to Wampee and send her maid Anette home. 



*"The Confederate scouts who formed our patrol and police were 
wild and irresponsible men, although brave and honorable; their cap'ain, 
a son of Governor Pettus of Mississippi {sic}, a youth of nineteen. Except 
for them the country between us and Charleston after its fall was at ihe 
mercy of bands of stragglers who burned and pillaged recklessly in the 
lower neighborhood, but seldom came so far as our plantations, (p. 561. 
* * * * "At last the time came when our faithful band of Con- 
federate scouts were recalled. In fact, the war was over, anJ I suppose 
they really had no longer any recognized position, but were only bush- 



4o 

April 8th. We have had another visit to-day from the 
Yankees. Before breakfast we saw smoke in the direction of 
Somerset, and the negroes told us they had heard a drum and 
fife in the night. We thought it was imagination until a servant 
from Wantoot told us that the Yankees had burnt Somerset 
house and were coming on. Soon after we saw them coming 
through the field, and in a very short time the house was full 
of black Yankees. I remained in the hall to see what they 
would take there, and to keep a watch on our room door. 
The first one that came into the room asked for fire arms. I 
told him they had all been taken. The next one asked for 
silver. I had no idea of showing him, so told him I was not 
the lady of the house. He made no reply but went on looking. 
A number then came in, and the silver was soon found and 
carried off; 40 small pieces of table silver and soup ladle; 
these, and one candle stick were the only things taken from 
the hall. Grand Pa lost all of his clothes that he had out. A 
box was broken open, some sheets and table cloths taken, the 
rest flung over the floor interspersed with broken eggs. The 
safe door was broken open and the ham taken. Several other 
rooms were entered and things taken; but, I am thankful to 
say our room was left untouched. All of the horses were 
taken. Gen'l Hartwell took good care not to come up until 
the darkies had left. He told his Captain to go and see if he 
could get the silver and one horse back, which, of course, we 
knew he did not mean him to do. The object of their visit 
was to catch the scouts. They said we had brought all of this 
on ourselves for encouraging the scouts. 

Uncle Rene and Uncle William have both been taken pris- 
oners and we hear, are to be carried to Charleston. They 
took the latter to get information from him, — so they say, but 

whackers; indeed, liable to be hung or shot if caught. Therefore, it was 
determined to give them a farewell party at Mrs. Palmer's house Spring- 
field — even if there were some risk in it — and Deasey and I were invited 
to spend the night. I was quite pleased with myself in a dress I had made 
out of an olfl pair of while window curtains. There were about thirty 
scouts at the party, and their horses were picketed close to the piazza; their 
guns stacked in the corners of the large bare drawing-room, and they danced 
with their pistols stuck in their top-boots which give them a very dashing 
look." 'P. 63 1 . (From Mrs. E. A. Coxe's "Memories," &c.^ 



44 

we think they took him because he had entertained the, scouts. 
Uncle Rene had to put himself under the protection of the 
General as there was a conspiracy detected among the black 
troops to come back that night and kill him. The Yankees 
went to Mexico this evening and I suppose will visit all the 
places up there. 

April 10th. Of course there was no service yesterday. Dr. 
Waring paid a visit and told us that Mr. Stevens was still in 
the Parish, but keeping close. This morning several of the 
negro men came to Grand Pa and asked to be allowed to stay 
here and work; they would do anything he told them. The 
Yankees told them to go with them, but they said they did not 
want to go. Two of the boys from here have joined the (U. 
S.?) Army. 

April 11th. * * * * Cousin Mazyck Porcher^ has been 
taken prisoner. Mexico house and all the out buildings have 
been burned. Last accounts of the enemy they were at Eutaw 
Springs. 

April 12th. Uncle Rene and Uncle Wm. returned home 
to-day. We were too thankful to hear of their release. They 
were carried as far as Eutaw, and then told to "Go Home." 

Woodlawn, April 14th. Uncle Rene drove Sister home, 
and I came back here to take her place. Uncle Rene and Uncle 
William had a most dreadful experience on the ride from Pine- 
ville to Mexico with the Army. At one time they were guarded 
by only one black soldier, and they could hear others all around 
trying to bribe their guard to give them up to be killed; but 
the guard, though a darky, was above bribing. 

Pooshee, April 20th. I returned here to-day quite tmex- 
pectedly. Pa came down last night and went over for me. 
We are to leave on Monday. We hear the most exaggerated 
accounts of things here. To-day's reports are that Lee's Army, 
32,000, has surrendered to Grant, and all the men paroled not 
to fight again during the war. The other report is that Sum- 
terville and Summerton have both been burnt to the ground; 
of course we do not believe either of them. 

April 21st. We hear to-day that there has been a fight 

*See article by W. Mazyck Porcher in the (Charleston) W-eekly 
News, August 16, 1882. 



45 

on the river, and two regiments of blacks under Potter com- 
pletely cut up. 

April 22nd. Today's news is very cheering; it is that Lin- 
coln and Seward have both been assassinated, and that there 
is to be an Armistice. 

(Here the diary -letter ends without signature.) 



REMINISCENCES OF MRS. MARY RHODES (WARING) 

HENAGAN 



(Written in December, 1917, to be Read at a Meeting of The 
Girls of the Sixties, Columbia, S. C.) 



The evacuation of Charleston, crossing of our soldiers over 
the Santee river, burning the bridge behind them, left the lower 
part of the State in, the power of the Yankees. 

My home was in this deserted region. We knew that our 
enemies were all around and had visited in no kind manner 
many of the neighboring plantations, but Chelsea, our planta- 
tion and winter home, seemed to be exempted. We learned 
afterward that this was due to the devotion of our slaves. 

At last the Yankees did come. Our home, a big old col- 
onial house built in 1714, was packed with refugees run from the 
coast from their homes earlier in the war. My mother directed 
each of us to go to my grandmother's room as soon as we saw 
the Yankees coming, and meet them in a body there. My 
grandmother had passed her eightieth mile-stone and was old 
for her years. 

As day after day passed and no Yankees came we felt 
more at ease. On one particular day in February, 1865, the 
young folks were sitting in a room removed from the main 
body of the house, one reading aloud and the others knitting, 
when my sister-in-law put her head in at the door and ex- 
claimed, "Girls, the Yankees." There was a rush for the 
house and my grandmother's room. Just as we reached it the 
house was surrounded by an excited crowd of men calling for 
the Confederate soldier they had seen enter the house. There 
was no soldier there and they were so informed, but they in- 
sisted there was one for they had seen him. Their officers had 
some trouble in keeping them from searching the house. One 
officer stood at the front door with my father, who was the phy- 



47 

sician of the neighborhood. Dr. Morton Waring, and the other 
at the back door with my mother and her sister. Just then 
the excitement was relieved by one of our young negro men 
walking up with a military cap on. 

There was no soldier with us just then, only a boy not 
yet in service. 

Our young horses were gone, for the negro boys had taken 
them all into the swamp a half mile away as soon as the Yan- 
kees were in sight. Some of the soldiers were anxious to take 
my father's horses that he used for his practice, but this Captain 
Hulbert, one of their officers, would not permit, telling his 
men they might need the services of a doctor and he could 
not get to them if his horses were gone. 

Captain Hulbert told my father that his negroes had repre- 
sented him as such a kind friend to them that the general in 
command had directed him not to enter his house or permit 
any outrages, only to free the negroes, as they thought they 
were slaves until each plantation was visited and the negroes 
told they were free. 

But the soldiers were not satisfied and meant to have 
something if possible, so they surrounded the smoke house 
and told one of our negro men to go up and throw out the 
meat. Of course he obeyed. As my father and Captain Hul- 
bert walked quickly up one of our negroes stepped up to the 
captain and said, "Please don't let your men take our meat. 
This belongs to us negroes." This was not strictly true as the 
meat was for us all, but it had the desired effect. The meat 
was left. 

At this time when we were so anxious and worried our 
negroes showed themselves true friends by concealing our 
valuables. Different ones would come at night and offer to 
take anything we would entrust to them and hide it for us. 
In this way many valuables were entrusted to them which were 
taken care of and returned after all was safe, in every case 
under cover of night. Our silver of course was buried by 
members of the family. 

During this same period we were surprised one day by 
seeing a buggy coming up with two men in it, one wrapped 
in a blanket, the other, his son, driving. These were Dr. Peter 



48 

Snowden and his son Charlie. When they drew up in front of 
the house and asked for my mother she went to them at once 
and was accosted by one of these gentlemen, both of whom 
she knew well. He was one of the scouts and had been 
wounded and taken refuge at the next plantation, but the 
Yankees hearing of his hiding place were in pursuit of him, 
so he came to see if my father could help him. My father 
was not at home, but my mother never hesitated. She made 
a bed in a small room where my father had hidden much 
corn and other provisions, and placed a large press in front 
of the door which it entirely concealed. In this store room 
our scout was cared for until he was able to go further. While 
arrangements were being made for him my grandmother called 
my mother to her and said, "Anne, do you know what you 
are doing, you have many helpless ones in your care and this 
piece of kindness may cost you your home?" My mother 
replied, "It is my duty to protect him. I will do it. God will 
do the rest." When my father reached home he commended 
her action. 

If the Yankees ever knew the wounded scout was with us 
they certainly made no sign indicating they possessed such 
knowledge. 

There were skirmishes about in our neighborhood between 
the northern troops passing through on their way to Columbia, 
Camden and other points, and our scouts. These were men 
sent back to protect the helpless ones left behind. They used 
a kind of guerilla warfare, but sometimes they had a real open 
skirmish. One of these was on a plantation near our home 
and my father was sent for to dress the wound of one soldier, 
I think a Yankee, another having been killed in the same fight. 
The mistress^ of this plantation had two young nieces with her 
for companionship. Her husband, of course, was away, and 
her children very small. The older of these girls carried a pistol 
in her pocket for protection. One day the pistol discharged 
its contents into her thigh. Only a flesh woimd resulted, but 
it alarmed the family very much. My father was called and 
after making her comfortable he persuaded her aunt to let 
him take her home with him. She improved rapidly and was 

^Mrs. Edwin DuBose (Harbin.) 



49 

soon able to walk around. Then she thought best to return 
to her aunt. We had not seen or heard of any Yankees in the 
neighborhood for several days so my father thought we might 
venture the trip of two miles in our carriage. My sister and I 
went with her. As we were crossing the Santee canal about a 
mile from our house we saw some soldiers on the bridge. Tom, 
our coachman, drove quietly on, but as soon as we crossed we 
were halted and our carriage surrounded by blue coats who 
were rather inquisitive. We had driven right up to a long 
line of marching Yankees. A portion of Hartwell's army on 
its way to the up country. Some of them recognized our friend, 
having seen her at Harbin, the home of her aunt, so accosted 
her with "Halloo Leize and Sallie. There are Leize and Sallie." 
They had mistaken me for her sister. My sister in a quiet 
manner and voice asked to speak to their commanding officer 
This caused them to stand back while one went for the officer 
After a while, which seemed much longer than it really was 
the officer (I believe a colonel) rode up and asked her busi 
ness. She told him we were on our way to a neighboring plan 
tation to make a friendly visit and return, and asked his pro 
tection for the trip. He told her he was obliged to detain us 
where we were for a time, but we should be protected. That 
as he had to march on with his command he would leave us 
in charge of a guard. This he did at once, so that in a very 
short time our guards were the only soldiers in sight except 
one that was sent back with a dispatch to the Major of the 
fifty-fifth. While he was waiting for the major and his men 
to come up he sat at the root of a large pine and played beau- 
tiful music on a very sweet flute that he had stolen from one 
of the plantations. I had heard that flute so often, it belonged 
to Rene Jervey. As we were circumstanced it was better to 
assume a friendliness of manner with our guard who was a 
very polite Canadian named Alfred Brett. He said he was only 
fighting for his pay, that he did not care which side whipped. 
After listening to his yarns for some houfs my sister asked 
him why he was detaining us and how long he meant to keep 
us there. He replied "I must keep you until General Hartwell's 
division passes. He has many regiments of colored troops and 
if you should meet them I could not answer for the conse- 



50 

quences, they are coming by the same road you are going." 
My sister said "But if you will allow us, we will return straight 
home by the same road we came." He agreed to this and told 
Tom to hitch up, which Tom did with the sorry horse he gave 
in place of our beautiful one he stole. He did not wish the 
other so let us keep him. This certainly gave us a pair of 
wretchedly matched horses, one large gray and the other a 
small red hack that loped all the time in harness that was 
so large it could scarcely be kept on. 

While guarding us Mr. Brett had an eye to self. He asked 
Tom very particularly about one of my father's sulky horses, 
a very fine iron gray named "Beauregard," where he was kept 
and so on, and said he wanted him. Tom suspecting mischief 
consulted with our foreman as soon as we reached home and 
between them they determined to save the horse, and lost no 
time about it. They took my father into their confidence. 

Not long after we reached home and before the excite- 
ment caused by our story had subsided my father came driving 
slowly home behind an old frame of bones in a much bruised 
horse hide. They had met him at Woodlawn plantation where 
he had gone professionally and taken his horse. Zeleka would 
not stand haltered, so we hoped she would come home. Sure 
enough that night after she had eaten her oats and all was 
quiet she slipped her halter and started homeward. She had 
gone quite a long way when one of our scouts caught her. He 
used her and took care of her until the troubles were over, then 
returned her to my father. 

Early the morning after our capture the whole plantation 
was thrown into wild excitement. During the night the stable 
door was unhinged and Beauregard taken, the news spreading 
through the neighborhood. The doctor could not visit his 
patients, both of his horses having been taken. Other persons 
lost their horses too, so he could only go as best he could to 
the urgent cases. Then the weary weeks of waiting, we could 
hear nothing of my brother. All we knew was he was with 
General Young's brigade wherever that was. Some of the men 
from St. John's Parish had gotten home but none had seen or 
heard of him. The war was over. The army disbanded, and 
we were still waiting. One memorable day about the middle 



51 

of April we were gathered in the parlor trying to be cheerful 
and busying ourselves with mending when our butler stepped 
into the room and said in a most joyous voice "Mars John." O, 
such a rush for the front door where my mother ahead of the 
rest had her soldier boy in her arms. It was a happy house- 
hold that night that gathered around the family altar. Some 
time after this we were again gathered in the parlor. This time 
chattering of how we were going to make our little serve for 
a great deal, when we were attracted by the neighing of a horse 
at the fence near by and looking up saw Beauregard. What 
a welcome he received. Tom thought it safe for him to come 
home so released him from his hiding place in the swamp. 



No. 280. 

REPORT OF BV'T. BRIG. GEN. ALFRED S. HARTWELL, 

FIFTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY, 

OF OPERATIONS, 

APRIL 5-15. 

(From pp. 1042-1043, War of Rebln Official Records,' &c. Series 
I: Vol. XLVII, Part I. "Campaign of the Carolinas, etc.") 



Headquarters Provisional Brigade. 
No. 8 Meeting St., Charleston, S. C, Ap'L 15, 1865. 

Captain: The following is respectfully submitted as the 
report of the expedition to the Santee River under my com- 
mand: 

In pursuance of orders received from Brig. Gen. John P. 
Hatch, I caused, on the 5th of April, the Fifty-fourth New York 
Veteran Volunteers and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers to 
cross from James Island and assemble with a section of the 
Third New York Artillery at the Four Mile Tavern on the State 
Road. Starting early on the morning of the 6th inst., I reached 
Goose Creek at nightfall, and went into bivouac eighteen miles 
from this city. From this point I sent back for the surplus 
ammunition. On information from a contraband that there 
were from thirty to forty Rebel cavalry at a place called Dean 
Hall I sent, at 5:00 P. M. two companies to attempt to surprise 
this party. During the night I was notified that these two com- 
panies had been misled by the guide, and were awaiting orders 
near the Twenty-Five Mile House on the State Road. April 7 
at 7:00 A. M. I started to Mr. Cain's, near Black Oak, Santee 
Canal, some twenty-two miles, sending a detachment to Big- 
gin's Bridge, who rejoined the column at night, together with 
the two companies from the Twenty-Five Mile House. Thirty 
cavalry were in my front having gone from Dean Hall around 
my flank. I sent two companies to deploy and surround the 
house in which they were reported to be, and surprise them. 
The enemy, however, got notice of our approach in season to 
escape, leaving several blankets and guns, and their supper ready 
cooked. Mr. Cain had several sons in the Rebel army; he had 
entertained those who had just gone, and had recently given 
them a grand dinner; his bam accidentally, or by some un- 
known incendiary, was burned. 



53 

Marched at 7:00 A. M. on the 8th of April, and hahed 
at noon in Pineville for dinner. Reached Mexico at nightfall, 
and went into bivouac there. Distance marched, about twenty 
miles. 

The people in Pineville implored our protection from 
the negroes, who were arming themselves and threatening the 
lives of their masters. Mr. Reno (sic) Ravenel requested me 
to take him with me to save his life. The negroes flocked in 
from all sides. 

At Mexico I found that Mr. Mazyck Porcher had made his 
house the headquarters of the Rebels in the vicinity. While 
I was on his grounds his property was protected, but was burned 
to the ground immediately on my leaving, I think, by his field 
hands. 

April 9, started for Eutaw Creek, thirteen miles distant. 
Some skirmishing occurred ; but dispersed the enemy with a few 
shells. 

From Eutaw Creek I sent two companies to Nelson's Ferry, 
-who sent me word at night that General Potter had gone up the 
Santee in transports the day before, and that they had burned 
forty or fifty bales of cotton that night on the opposite shore. 
During the night a contraband reported to me that General 
Potter had encovmtered the enemy at Manningsville, and had 
had a skirmish there. He was advancing, however, to Sumter- 
ville. A certain Lieutenant Pettus, commanding some Rebel 
cavalry in our vicinity, came in on a flag of truce at my request. 
I told this officer that he would not quarter in or near houses, 
or fire from houses, if he cared to save them from destruction. 
1 also sent by this officer a note to General Ferguson, suggesting 
the propriety of his recalling his scouts from attempting to 
coerce the slaves to labor. 

April 10. Sent parties to Vance's Ferry and vicinity to 
gather corn and rice together to feed the contrabands which 
had congregated together on the march. Marched at 5:00 P. M., 
taking the cross-road to the State Road. At about 10.00 P. M. 
we encountered twenty-five or thirty Rebel cavalry, shots were 
exchanged and they disappeared, leaving a gun, some blankets, 
and hats, &c.; bivouacked fifteen miles from starting point at 
midnight. 

April 11. Marched at daylight down the State Road; foimd 



54 

that the bridges over Cypress Swamp were in bad condition, and 
was delayed by the falling through of a limber and chest. From 
this delay, and my column being encumbered by the train of 
refugees, I did not take the Ridgeville Road, which wag re- 
ported very heavy, but marched to the Twenty-Five Mile House, 
and there bivouacked. 

April 12, marched to Goose Creek, leaving there two com- 
panies and the train of refugees. The rest of my command I 
marched to the Four Mile Tavern, where they still remain. 
The companies left at Goose Creek have since rejoined them 
there. 

I remain. Very Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. S. HartweU 
Col. Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, 
Bv't. Brig. Gen. of Vols. 
Capt. L. B. Perry, 

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Northern Dist., 
Department of the South. 



THE FIFTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS. 



Extracts from the Diary of Col. Charles B. Fox, covering the 

visit of black troops to Somerset and 

Mexico Plantations.^ 



April 7. The march was continued until the head of the 
column arrived within a short distance of Monck's Corner, 
when it turned to the left, on the south side of the Santee 
Canal, and moved toward Pinopolis, a village of summer resi- 
dences similar to Pineville, though smaller. Few families or 
articles contraband of war were found there. A detachment 

'Pp. 69-70, "Record of the Service of the Fifty-fifth Regiment of 
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Printed for the Regimental Association, 
Cambridge Press of .John Wilson & Son, July, 1868." (Printed for 
private circulation.) 



55 

sent from Monck's Corner to the canal and creek bridges on 
the Biggin-Church Road, reported no sign of the enemy in that 
direction. After inarching until after dark, the command 
bivouacked, in line of battle, near the house of Mr. Cain, the 
artillery in position, and the men sleeping at the foot of their 
gun stacks. Squads of cavalry were reported in front and rear, 
and a mounted party, in advance of the infantry, were fired on 
just as the line for bivouac was formed. The cavalry seen, 
however, did not number over twenty-five or thirty; and the 
report of troops in line of battle in the front proved to be an 
error. Mr. Cain's house and plantation were very fine. He 
claimed to have made an agreement with his former slaves, with 
which they were satisfied. Whether they were or not, few of 
them left him at that time. Many of the trees and fences around 
the yard were cut to strengthen the position, but the house and 
grounds were not otherwise injured. 

April 8. The line of march was resumed in the early 
morning, in a drizzling rain, through the plantations to the 
Black-Oak Road, to Pineville, where a halt for dinner was made; 
thence to Mexico, to the plantation of W. M. Porcher. As the 
troops left Cain's Plantation, the carriage-barn was fired, 
whether by accident or design is not known. The fire did not, 
however, spread to other buildings. 

At Pineville, all sorts of rumors were current of the cruel- 
ties practiced by the guerilla cavalry, who were said to have 
shot and hung many of the negroes in that vicinity. The men 
of the Regiment were greatly excited, and effort was necessary 
to preserve discipline. It was difficult to trace most of the 
reports to their source, but it is to be feared that some of them 
had too good foundation. One thing was certain, that a com- 
pany of negroes had a fight at Pineville, with a squad of Rebel 
scouts, under Lieut. Pettus, in which the latter had been at first 
defeated, and only effected their purpose after the arrival of 
reinforcements. Alarmed by these stories and events, an exodus 
of the freed people commenced at this point, which continued 
during the remainder of the expedition, until the refugee-train 
was far larger than the rest of the column. 

The Porcher homestead was the most elegant which the 
expedition had seen. The house was filled with articles of con- 



56 , 

venience and luxury, with treasures of art and family relics. It 
was situated in a large park, shaded by magnificent trees. The i^J 

position was good; and the line was formed for bivouac, the 
right at the mansion house, the left beyond that of the over- 
seer, the out-buildings, over which guards were placed, being 
in the rear. There was slight picket-firing during the night, 
probably, however, at cattle and hogs. The march was resumed 
soon after daylight. 

Mr. Porcher was known to have been an original and most 
decided Rebel, and he was taken to Charleston as a prisoner; 
but his property would not have been destroyed as it was, had 
he not in reply to the question of the provost-marshal, "If he 
had any wine in his cellars" merely stated that he had not, omit- 
ting to say that he had a large amount in the garret. During 
the night a quantity of this liquor reached the mounted men of 
the escort, and probably some of the refugees; and by one or 
the other, while in liquor, the house and all the outbuildings, 
except the dwelling of the overseer which was saved by the 
exertions of Chaplain Bowles, who had spent the night there, 
were set fire to and destroyed as soon as the guards were with- 
drawn and the troops upon the march. As soon as the existence 
of the wine was ascertained by the provost-marshal, Capt. 
Torrey, he destroyed what remained of it. 



'?* 



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